How big does the coop need to be?

[six little chicks]

Ok, my boyfriend started building the coop for our new babies. The coop is 8” x 6” 8” x 6” tall with a slanted roof. We have the walls framed the roof done, all we need to do is add walls and the finishing touches for the inside. We also plan on having four nesting boxes that hang off the back side to give them some privacy to lay eggs in. I was just wondering how much room six hens would need. And how many could fit in a coop that size, because he already has ideas for improving the coop to expand if we decide to get more babies. I have no idea. Please help…before he goes totally overboard, which he will if I don't stop him now.

 

[Imp]

Quote:
The general consensus is 4 sf for the coop, 10 sf for the run, less if you free range.
So:
Your 6 hens would need 24 sf coop and 60 sf run
That coop will hold 12 chickens.
But that's OK more space is better.

Imp

 

[ColoradoMike]

Quote:
" = inches
' = feet

I'm assuming you meant the latter.

an 8'x6' coops should comfortable fit 12 chickens, provided they have adequate outdoor access (meaning at least 120 square feet in the run)

 

[six little chicks]

Thanks, the walls started going up last night, hopefully by mid-May our babies can move out to their new coop.

 

[teach1rusl]

Oh yes, more space is better, and they will love it! I have a 6 x 8 coop for my five girls, and come winter time they NEEDED the space, because they spent a LOT of time inside last winter (by choice, I'd open the pop door each day, they just didn't like the cold and snow). It'll seem overly roomy now, but not come winter time, if you live in an area that gets winters... Your run will be the main thing...for six birds you'll need at least 60 sq. feet of yard/run space, more if you get more chickens down the road (unless they free range). Have fun with your chicks!!

 

[TinyLittleFarm]

It's great that you have a little extra room, because you will certainly want more chickens some day. I swore I wouldn't want more than 8, but just 2 months after our first babies arrived we have 14.