So, here is my question. How many med-large breed chickens can I have in a 10 x 12 foot coop/pen? There is a lot of differing information on chickens per square feet. We live in North Florida and we currently do not have an indoor portion to our coop/pen. I know several chicken enthusiasts in this area that do not have any indoor coop due to the fact we rarely have too much trouble with the cold. Our issue is typically the heat. My chickens did fine during the past winter. I have the top covered for shade and the back wall has a tarp for shade and to keep the wind off of them. My nest boxes are up against that wall. I do have plans to build an indoor coop and begin to let them free range when I can but that is what I have for now. I want to make sure I do not crowd them. Any help?
I went by 4 sq foot per bird inside and 10 outside. I live in NY so being outside all the time is out of the question here. I also have problems with fox, coyote, and raccoons which prey on chickens so I want mine locked up tight at night.
If they are confined to the open air coop I would say 12 chickens at 10 sq ft. per bird. If they are allowed to free range I would say 4 sq ft. per bird. I'm no expert though.
Simple, drag a chair in and sit, observe, notice, and get the vibe. Do you feel crowded, if so, expand.
