Coop sizing?

[black_cat]

I'm trying to figure out what would be a good coop size if I'm planning on eventually ending up with 6 or 7 birds. I might end up getting some bantams as well. I can't let my birds free range, and the max amount of space I can possibly use is a 12'x5' footprint. I know the general math is 10 ft of run space per bird and 5 ft of coop space, but I'm not sure how flexible that is?

 

[Grandmas Coop]

In the book Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens - it says,

 

[black_cat]

In the book Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens - it says, View attachment 2158216

thanks, that's super helpful!

 

[Grandmas Coop]

thanks, that's super helpful!

You are very welcome, I have a thread I started in 2014 when we built our coop, it might be helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/building-our-new-coop-deep-mulch.861352/

 

[rosemarythyme]

To clarify... you said coop footprint is max 12x5? Or are you talking about both coop and run? For a coop that's way enough for 6 or 7 birds. If you're talking both coop and run, it's minimal space but could be done if you plan wisely.

 

[black_cat]

To clarify... you said coop footprint is max 12x5? Or are you talking about both coop and run? For a coop that's way enough for 6 or 7 birds. If you're talking both coop and run, it's minimal space but could be done if you plan wisely.

coop and run footprint max is 12x5. I was thinking one of those deals where there's run space under the coop?

 

[rosemarythyme]

coop and run footprint max is 12x5. I was thinking one of those deals where there's run space under the coop?

Yeah you'd have to do it that way as you'd need the full footprint for the run, so coop needs to go above.

 

[black_cat]

Yeah you'd have to do it that way as you'd need the full footprint for the run, so coop needs to go above.

my original plan for coop I'd be building myself were those dimensions for the run, or 10x5? with a 6x5 coop on top of half of it. Those dimensions are pretty adjustable, aside from the footprint. I'm pretty sure that some chickens may be bantams, but am still unsure.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Given the limited space, and the fact that bantams + standards could possibly be an issue, I'd give some strong consideration to doing all bantams, if you're set on getting 6 birds.

 

[black_cat]

Given the limited space, and the fact that bantams + standards could possibly be an issue, I'd give some strong consideration to doing all bantams, if you're set on getting 6 birds.

I was hoping that if I started with bantams, I'd be able to bring standards in later or the other way around? I was hoping on ending up with a mixed flock if possible, but was going to do more research. I"m not dead set on 6 birds, just a number around what I'd like to end up with. Planning to start with three and expand later.