How big a run vs. coop?

[HogFoo]

We have 9(ish) chickens coming in a couple of weeks. Working on the brooder, but already thinking about the coop. Lots of predators near our new farm (coyotes, hawks, fox, racoons, etc.) so we're concerned that free-range is not an option for us. With that assumption, I'm planning to build a coop with a large (fully) enclosed run. I've read 4+ feet/chicken to 6-8 ft/chicken for the coop if they are "confined". Does confined mean what I'm planning (e.g. - a big outdoor, but enclosed run) or is it more about inside all the time? Anyhow, just trying to figure out how large to build the coop and also the run to have happy girls along with plenty of room to expand. I can tell already that we're going to add to our little flock over time... Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

As you plan to keep them confined as security the more room the better. 4 sq ft in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run is a good minimum, but more is better. Overcrowding leads to all sorts of behavioral issues and it is easier to build "too hig" than to build small and try to expand later (plus, building bigger than needed allows for expansion of the flock

 

[rosemarythyme]

I've read 4+ feet/chicken to 6-8 ft/chicken for the coop if they are "confined". Does confined mean what I'm planning (e.g. - a big outdoor, but enclosed run) or is it more about inside all the time?

I can tell already that we're going to add to our little flock over time... Thanks!

Even if free ranging you'll get better results (fewer behavioral issues) with a bigger coop vs a tiny or minimal one. 4 sq ft is the recommended minimum here for inside the coop... 6-8 sq ft if you live in a climate where bad weather is an issue, which can force the birds to stay inside, where cabin fever can cause behavioral issues.

Run should be a minimum of 10 sq ft per bird BUT I strongly suggest doubling or tripling that, or more, if you can afford it. Ample run space is often more crucial than coop space as in most climates the birds will choose to spend most of their waking hours in the run.

Build to your potential maximum now, if you can afford it. A lot less work down the line and it'll make for more seamless integrations.

 

[aart]

Good advice above.

I can tell already that we're going to add to our little flock over time

Then definitely go bigger, and plan for a separate area to brood chicks for early integration.

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[HogFoo]

Thanks for the good replies folks and also for the welcome. I'm live in MA. Updated my profile. Cold evenings still for another month.