Coop & Run Sizes. Number of Chickens recommended

[TheNamesSkip]

Okay, I am building a 4ft wide x 8ft long x 5/4.5ft tall chicken coop (does not include the nesting box, which is attached to the outside of the coop) and I plan on having a 10x20 covered run. The coop will be attached to the outside of the 10x20 (Therefore, it have a full 200sq ft. run, plus I plan on making the 4x8 area under the coop part of the run to which is where I will put a sand box for them. I would like to have about 10-12 chickens total. Does this seem reasonable for that many chickens? I want to make sure they are content and happy. I am welcoming any advice you have for me!

PS I am new to the chicken world!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The run size is good. 8 would be more appropriate for the coop but if you can insure they will have outside access dawn to dusk, 10-12 LF is doable.
If you're planning on bantams, that's plenty of space.

Just a caution that the greater the stocking density, the more frequent cleaning is necessary.

 

[junebuggena]

It depends what your climate is like, honestly. If you live someplace where the weather will keep the chickens inside for a few months out of the year, then you will have to be very careful not to overcrowd them. The basic guidelines are 4 sq ft per bird in the coop for a medium sized breed like a Leghorn or Hamburg. Larger, dual-purpose brown egg layers will need about 5 sq ft of coop space per bird. You will also need at least 12 to 18 inches of roost space per bird. With the coop you are building, it will comfortably house about 14 bantams, 8 medium sized breeds, or 6 larger breeds.

 

[TheNamesSkip]

Thank Yall for quick feedback. I live in southwest VA. I do plan to always allow run access year round for the chickens. That's why I'm going with a covered run so when it snows they still have "dirt" to scratch in. I went with a 4x8 design because I got 90% of the wood free from recycled pallets. And one of the pallets was already 4x8. I used that one as my base and added some more supports. I plan on getting 3 or 4 different breeds. RIR, Barred Rock, Orpington, and maybe Black Austrolorp. With that being said, I have another question. What is a round about estimate of how many nesting boxs I will need per x amount of chickens. Also, what is a comfortable size nest box.

Thanks!!

 

[junebuggena]

Since you are planning on large breeds, I would get no more than 7. 1 nest box can easily service 4 to 6 hens. They do tend to all want to lay in the same box, so plan on two or three, but only expect on to be used regularly. They should be at least 14x14 in length and width and 16 inches base to top. They need to have a good lip on the front to keep the bedding in, at least 3 or 4 inches.
The roosts should be about 4 inches wide, to help keep their feet warm in winter. And each bird should have about 18 inches of roosting space, so they can spread out and keep cool on warm summer nights.

 

[TheNamesSkip]

Thanks for the info/help!!