Coop size needed?

[1acrebackyard]

I am planning my chicken coop and want to make sure it is the proper size for our chicks when they're old enough to move into it. I have 7 chicks. The coop will be built inside a 25ft x 50ft fenced run. I am thinking 3 nesting boxes. How much square footage should I provide for them in the coop? Does the fact they have a larger run allow for smaller coop? Also any advice you have, I would greatly appreciate. Thank you

 

[Creteloc]

It's suggested you have 4 sq ft per bird. I give mine a little extra because in our cold cold Utah winters, there are days the chickens won't leave their coop. I open the door, they see 2' of snow and won't set foot outside.

 

[1acrebackyard]

Thank you. We're in the hot state of Texas. Leaning toward a more open air concept, but that is a great point for the winter.

 

[Creteloc]

I wasn't sure if you had cold/snowy winters or not. My hens HATE snow.

 

[1acrebackyard]

I wasn't sure if you had cold/snowy winters or not. My hens HATE snow.

We have ice on occasions. Rarely any accumulation of snow.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Take into account that you’ll probably end up with more once chicken math kicks in. Plan for 4 square feet per bird and then some. Maybe just make it 40 square feet. Plenty of room for what you currently have plus you could add 3 more if you wanted. Or make it 50 square feet and you can add even more! Or 60... you get the idea!

 

[karissapaul]

That is a lot of darn space!!! I'm getting ten chickens and my run will be smaller that that!!!
your chicken coop size should
Be around 3×4- 3×5 you can make it as tall as you want

 

[twisted-acres-farm]

warning Chicken Math is dangerous and very contiagious (sp)

 

[Hopperkiller]

Unless your run has shade make it big enough to get out of the sun also. Mine hang out in the coop during the hottest part of the day and its still may. They move around finding the coolest and most ventilated areas. Bigger gives you and them more options.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

That is a lot of darn space!!! I'm getting ten chickens and my run will be smaller that that!!!
your chicken coop size should
Be around 3×4- 3×5 you can make it as tall as you want

It’s a lot, yes, but bigger is better in terms of space.

By the way, 3x4 is only 12 square feet, and enough for NO MORE than 3 chickens. 3x5 is 15 square feet and a tight squeeze for 4 birds. Your run should be at least 100 square feet for 10 birds if you aren’t free ranging them. But you’re saying that your run won’t even be 40-50 square feet?