Coop/run space per chick

[Prester John]

I'm sure that this question has been answered elsewhere, so forgive me.

I understand that a hen needs 4 sq ft of coop space (per hen), but what about run space per hen?

I'm preparing to design something for one of two areas we have available.

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

8 to 10 sq ft

 

[Master S.M.C]

I prefer 10sq ft for my standard birds in the run

 

[ranchhand]

Yup, better to overbuild than underbuild!

 

[Prester John]

If, then, I simply let them out into my fenced yard, for a few hours in the evening - would that be enough, or would they have to have full access to the run 24/7?

I'm sorry about my ignorance, but it is important for me to do it right the first time.

I'm trying to figure out if I can get 3, 10 or 25 chicks.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They need 10sq ft per chicken all day, while they are awake. If you turn them out into the yard for a few hours a day and they have more space, that's great. The rest of the day, they should have the minimum of 10 sq ft per chicken in their run.

If they have no run and will be locked in the coop all day, that is considered confinement housing. Then they would need 10sq ft per chicken in the coop, instead of 4. Most people don't lock them in the coop all day, though.

Hopefully, you are less confused and not more confused, after reading that.

 

[Prester John]

Actually, I'm not more confused! That's a first!