How big of a coop

[diana507]

So I live in Maine and got 12 new chicks. Well they are a little over a month old now. How big of a coop is good for them? How many nesting boxes do I need? Will 8x12 way over kill especially for winter?

 

[Chickenshoe]

Ive got 13 ladies at 1 month old also.. built this.......its close to done.. siding and doors to go
its 4x8 with a 4x5 add on for roost.... the size you are thinking of it just fine... as equally important is how you build it, ventilation is key

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

So I live in Maine and got 12 new chicks. Well they are a little over a month old now. How big of a coop is good for them? How many nesting boxes do I need? Will 8x12 way over kill especially for winter?

"over kill" is generally used to refer to something that is excessive - and with chickens it is my opinion that there is no such thing as too much when talking about the amount of room you can offer your flock -- especially in a climate where the birds may prefer to stay in for long stretches of time. Most of the numbers you see bandied about are the minimum amount of space - anything/everything above and beyond that is an added bonus that the birds will very much appreciate (and it leaves room for the inevitable chicken math to kick in when your 12 become 20, lol)
Generally speaking at on box for every 4 chickens is sufficient.

 

[LI chickie]

My husband attached a 6'x8' "chicken palace " as we've named it to my barn. It's raised about 18" off the ground. I can stand up without hitting my head at the lowest spot so there is plenty of room for my 6 girls. He built out a nesting box that will have 4 large nesting boxes. If I have to add something more I will.

 

[Ridgerunner]

OGM got that right. You might follow the link in my signature for some of my thoughts about how much room they need.

We are each unique. There is no magic square feet per chicken number that covers all of us in every situation. In general I find the more I crowd them the more behavioral problems I have to deal with, the less flexibility I have to deal with things that do happen, and the harder I have to work. Providing more space is not just about keeping the chickens from becoming cannibals and eating each other, it’s mainly about making my life easier.

I’m not sure where you were headed with your question about winter. Some people are under the impression they need to keep the coop tiny so the chickens’ body heat will keep it warm. Exactly wrong. Chickens can keep themselves warm with their down coat as long as you don’t let a direct breeze blow on them. If they are blocked in their coop by snow in winter so they cannot go outside, they need more space, not less.

Your dimensions should work out well for 12 chicks, especially if they have access outside.

 

[diana507]

The Winter part was more directed at hearing so their body heat will keep it warmer. The reason I was thinking 8x12 was for some days when the weather is horrible they wouldn't be too crowded and hurt one another. There will be a run for them as well we are planning. My thoughts had been 6 nesting boxes and different level roosts for them. I'm just not sure what the temp should be for starting them in the coop. Should be building it right off.

 

[diana507]

Sorry for all the questions but this is my first time having chickens and wanna do it right from the start.