Does Sqft under coop count towards run?

[Zud]

Hey everyone!
We're designing a coop for our first ever chickens. We're starting with 4 but I'd like to build big enough to expand to 8 or so. Because of work schedules, I can't count on free ranging them regularly, so we're building as if they'll be in the run most of the time.

We're building a short 5'x6' walk-in that will be raised only 18" (to avoid needing permits in our area, it can't be taller than 7'6" from the ground).

Can I include the space under the coop when I'm calculating my run space per chicken, or is it too low?

 

[21hens-incharge]

You can....as long as they can effectively use that space.

A word of advice of I may......

Make sure you have access to every corner of that space. You may need to make removable panels so you can get to the back corners.

Chickens are tricky...they will hide nests under there, go broody under there and even hide under here if sick or injured.

 

[PirateGirl]

I agree with @21hens-incharge I did not plan well in advance for this and find myself poking a stick into the back corners trying to scare a chicken out or trying to fish out the food dish or something that's ended up back there that I can't otherwise reach!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree with @21hens-incharge I did not plan well in advance for this and find myself poking a stick into the back corners trying to scare a chicken out or trying to fish out the food dish or something that's ended up back there that I can't otherwise reach!

When I had my raised coop I had not seen that coming either.....yeah.......hands and knees in chicken poop to fetch a broody hen from the back corner. It was not fun at all.

 

[Shadrach]

A really important point about human access under the coop being made in the two posts above. I didn't do it on a secure coop/maternity unit I made years ago and ended up having to take one end of and convert it to a door.
I would want to help the chicks up the ramp when mum called them if necessary and couldn't reach them. Of course, the chicks call for mum in distress as you're groping about under the coop. Mum comes out in full battle order while you are crouched down with your face close to the ground, partially wedged under the coop.
If mum gets you you're in trouble.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A really important point about human access under the coop being made in the two posts above. I didn't do it on a secure coop/maternity unit I made years ago and ended up having to take one end of and convert it to a door.
I would want to help the chicks up the ramp when mum called them if necessary and couldn't reach them. Of course, the chicks call for mum in distress as you're groping about under the coop. Mum comes out in full battle order while you are crouched down with your face close to the ground, partially wedged under the coop.
If mum gets you your in trouble.

Yeah not where I would want my face.....flogging zone with a mad mama hen.

 

[Zud]

This is excellent advice. Adding in some pop out panels into my plans. Thanks everyone!

 

[speedy2020]

Yeah not where I would want my face.....flogging zone with a mad mama hen.

I have 24" off ground raised coop and really like it. The bottom covered with rabbit wire. There is the door to keep the chicken out if need. I used for keeping rooster, sick chicken, mother hen with baby chicks, duck, etc.. The chicken like to hide at the bottom when rain or snow. When the hen start to lay, I closed the door for 1-2 weeks so they don't get habit to lay underneath. I do like the concept and never want to walk on the poop to collect egg and clean up.

 

[aart]

Can I include the space under the coop when I'm calculating my run space per chicken

Yes...but.....don't be too married to those 'numbers'(not sure which you are using)they are at best a bare minimum guideline.
Depending on your climate you may be better off with more space.
More space is always better to do now rather than later.

Oh, and.....Welcome to BYC! @Zud
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Zud]

Yes...but.....don't be too married to those 'numbers'(not sure which you are using)they are at best a bare minimum guideline.
Depending on your climate you may be better off with more space.
More space is always better to do now rather than later.

Oh, and.....Welcome to BYC! @Zud
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1992557

Done!
We're in the Bronx, so we'll be raising some City Slicker Chickens. It gets chilly here, but nowhere near as cold as many parts of the country. We really only see a handful of days that drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
We're using what I've seen as the most common guideline of 10 sqft/hen in the run (including the space under the hen house) and 4 sqft/hen in the hen house. We're building for 8 using those guidelines but starting with 4, so the girls will have plenty of room to begin with... and the idea is to increase to 6, then 8 over time, if we do at all.