Coop Square Footage

[MayberrySaint]

I know the recommendations are for 4 square feet per bird in the coop. I have been letting my little ones out to free-range during the day and it seems like they will spend more time outside than in the coop. At night on the roosts there is plenty of space. My question is with free-range hens, can I get away with less square footage. It even seems like it would be a benefit in the winter in keeping the coop warm. Any experience or suggestions?

Andy

 

[michellerene]

I think 4 feet is on the generous end... 3 feet is the lower recommendation & seems completely reasonable if they are going to be free ranging a lot. HTH!

 

[MayberrySaint]

That's what I was hoping to hear...now i need to find 15 more pullets...

Andy