Coop size based on location.

[SSeverance]

We have been keeping chickens in central Florida for 4 years. Initially I built a 4x4 coop which opened to a 95 square foot run and we've kept 8-10 chickens in that space without issue. Since that time I built a second 6x4 coop and added another 90 square feet of run space. I find this setup allows for reduced issues adding new chicks to a flock since a gate separates runs and coops, but allows for chickens to become accustomed to each other before I open the gate and let everyone interact.

Now I know the coop sizes are a bit on the small size compared to what's recommended on a per chicken basis, but here's my observation. Here in central Florida, even on the coldest days, it rarely reaches freezing. So the hens run outside at dawn and except for laying they don't ever go back into the coop until dusk. I understand in northern climates the hens require more coop space because they spend days inside when the weather is really frigid. But in my experience at our location roost space and available nest boxes are more critical than floor space since the hens spend 365 days outside anyway.

Wondering how everyone else feels on the subject...

 

[NatJ]

Do you shut the chickens into the coop at night, or are they free to come and go as they please?

If you do not shut them in, then the run is effectively part of their "coop." So they have a nice big coop, with lots of fresh air and ventilation

 

[Ridgerunner]

First, go by what you see, not what a stranger over the internet like me tells you. What works for you works for you, even if it might not for me. If you follow the link in my signature below you can see some of my thoughts on space.

Why might that work for you? Chickens do not understand the concept of "coop space" as being different from "run space". All they know is that if they need room and it is available somewhere, it's available. If they need room and it's not available, it's not available. You have the weather so they can use that run space all day every day if you give them access to it. If it is working for you it is available when needed.

Integrating takes more room that a flock that is already integrated. Having mature chickens with immature chickens takes more room. It' not just about the integrating process, the maturing process takes room too. That extra coop and run can make that process go much smoother, just don't rush it.

Why may that not work for you at some point? If you are ever in a position where you cannot leave that run available and you have to lock them in the coop only for a period of time, you could have issues. Say a predator breaches your run or a hurricane causes them to be inside the coop section only for a period, you could have issues. As long as life is good you can be fine, but when life goes bad extra room can give you a lot more flexibility in dealing with issues.

 

[SSeverance]

They have 24 hour access to the run with a couple of outside perches as well. Overall the setup with a second coop and gate dividing the run has worked out very well.