How big does my coop (and run) need to be?

[jackson41]

I have 4 chickens. My coop is 30" x 48" x40". My run is 4ft x 8ft covered and very secure with 14 gauge cage wire 1" x 1/2" wire and a 24" apron around the edge. They are very content with that amount of space even in the winter. I cover 3 sides of the run with plastic and hang a whole head of cabbage for greens and entertainment in the winter. They roam the yard in the summer and fall.

 

[bairo]

Quote:
ahah i would agree with you. When I started I though 5 chickens would be plenty in terms of egg consumption, wich really it is, but I'm already dreaming of a bigger coop where I could have many many more chickies. If I can give an advice to the person who wrote this original post, it would be to make it high enough so that you can walk in it. Mine the walls are 4 feet high, plus the space of the roof, but i find it a bit anoying to always have to crouch to get the eggs or clean. Not so bad but if i would build another one, definitly a walk in one!

Very good point with the taller coop and run fence. I was lucky that I saw my father-in-law make the mistake of a 4 foot coop and run fence and so I made mine 6 1/2 feet. I am glad you remembered to point that out though.

 

[bairo]

Quote:
That is the nicest looking small coop I have seen

I hope you have that one submitted for the coop page, It is a perfect example of what a small coop should be.
I do agree that if they can free range several times a week, then the space I recommended can be cut quite a bit.

 

[BRchickens775]

I personally have 5 chickens in a 6' by 8' coop and a 8' by 11' run. I did build so that I am able to add a couple more chickens though.

 

[Nevaschickens]

I have 4 chickens. My coop is 30" x 48" x40".  My run is 4ft x 8ft covered and very secure with 14 gauge cage wire 1" x 1/2" wire and a 24" apron around the edge.  They are very content with that amount of space even in the winter.  I cover 3 sides of the run with plastic and hang a whole head of cabbage for greens and entertainment in the winter. They roam the yard in the summer and fall.

LOOOOOOOOVVVEEEE YOUR COOP AND BACKYARD!!! So glad I found BYC for some inspiration!