Coop vs Run

[Thegingerchicken]

Hiya,

I have a patch of land 16 x 10ft.

I want to build a new coop and my question is:

Which is best, bigger coop and therefore less run or smaller coop and more run?

And am I right in thinking 6 chickens would be perfectly happy in this amount of space?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Molpet]

Minimum is usually 4 sqft for coop and 10sqft for run. Per bird . But if you get cold or snow bigger is better.

 

[Lizzy733]

Have the best of both worlds and build a raised coop - they'll shelter under the coop and that doesn't detract from run space. It's a great place to have feeders and dustbaths too as they'll stay dry - just make sure there's enough clearance for you to get under if you need to. Also, I'd recommend using the full area for your 6 - it's about twice the recommended from what it sounds like and this just means you'll have happy comfortable birds!

 

[rosemarythyme]

The amount of space should be fine for 6. Aim for more space in the run than the coop unless your climate is such that birds would be forced to stay indoors for extended periods of time.

Assuming a non extreme climate (like near arctic conditions) I'd go with maybe 4x8 for the coop and the rest as run. If you elevate the coop enough the chickens can use the space underneath as well, but that's up to you... personally I value a walk in coop over a smaller elevated one since it's easier maintenance for me, though it is possible to make an elevated walk in as well.

 

[aart]

Have the best of both worlds and build a raised coop - they'll shelter under the coop and that doesn't detract from run space. It's a great place to have feeders and dustbaths too as they'll stay dry - just make sure there's enough clearance for you to get under if you need to.

Ditto Dat!^^^

Welcome to BYC! @Thegingerchicken
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[ellenscoop]

Here is a chart with min space requirements which might be useful - http://www.adoptabirdnetwork.com/topics/chicken-space-requirements