How big of a coop do I need for 12 chickens?

[ZaDoxie Chickens]

How big of a coop do I need for 12 chickens?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

The standard minimum recommendation is 4sq ft per bird.

 

[IamRainey]

If you'll forgive me, I think you're asking the question a bit backward. Anyone here will tell you -- whatever you think you want now -- that you're going to end up with as many birds as you can handle. Plus 1 or 2 more.

So the "correct" question, once you figure out the best use of the space you have to provide for chicken keeping, is "how many chickens can live healthy happy lives in a __ x __ coop with a __ x __ run?" Then start with about 2/3 that number.

 

[TwistedSteel]

I wouldn`t go with anything smaller than 8'x8'. More room makes for less chicken conflict. And if it`s designed right it`s much less work to maintain.

 

[Echilde]

It also depends on how much time they will be inside. Will there be a run? How big? Free range? Oh and go bigger than you think regardless since you will probably end up with more. Lol. I went from 3 to 54 currently, plus 2 ducks!

 

[Cryss]

I agree with @TwistedSteel . 8x8 gives minimal room for 16 birds. More room being better means 12 would be comfortable. There would be room for a bit of chicken math which not only adds but also subtracts.
Remember the nest area is not part of that dimension. There are basically 3 ways around that. 1. Build the nests hanging outside of the building, lots of examples on BYC. 2. Build bigger and put nests on the floor. Not the best way but doable. 3 attach them to the inside wall with the bottom about 18 inches off the floor so the birds can still use that floor area underneath.
Don't forget the run. Even if you free range there will be times you will want them a secured area. The run needs to be 10 square feet per bird so 12 birds need 120sqft. Make it bigger for math, 160 sounds like it matches the coop.

 

[ZaDoxie Chickens]

If you'll forgive me, I think you're asking the question a bit backward. Anyone here will tell you -- whatever you think you want now -- that you're going to end up with as many birds as you can handle. Plus 1 or 2 more.

So the "correct" question, once you figure out the best use of the space you have to provide for chicken keeping, is "how many chickens can live healthy happy lives in a __ x __ coop with a __ x __ run?" Then start with about 2/3 that number.

Thanks so much! we have the room and were planning on a 10 x 12 raised coop plus a 12 foot run!

 

[Cryss]

Thanks so much! we have the room and were planning on a 10 x 12 raised coop plus a 12 foot run!

Great coop size! Big enough for 30 birds! Can't wait to see pictures!
You said 12 foot run. How wide? If its the same as the coop, 10x12, its just big enough for 12. 12 chickens would love this set up!.

 

[ZaDoxie Chickens]

It also depends on how much time they will be inside. Will there be a run? How big? Free range? Oh and go bigger than you think regardless since you will probably end up with more. Lol. I went from 3 to 54 currently, plus 2 ducks!

Wow Thank you! I hope we can keep things under control. We want eggs and plan to also feed them to our dogs. My husband and I both worked at a chicken hatchery as teenagers. Back then in Northwest Florida we had lots of chicken growers! My husband also was also a chicken catcher back in the day .... that was not a fun job catching chickens in a commercial chicken house at night!

We will also harvest the girls that no longer lay and that should help keep our numbers in check.

 

[ZaDoxie Chickens]

Great coop size! Big enough for 30 birds! Can't wait to see pictures!
You said 12 foot run. How wide? If its the same as the coop, 10x12, its just big enough for 12. 12 chickens would love this set up!.

Thanks, it looks we should make that run wider so we can give our girls more run room!