How Big Should A Chicken PEN For 4 Be?

[-Flash-]

How Big Should A Chicken PEN For 4 Be?

 

[LoveMyGurls]

Yeah, I would turn my whole yard in a big chicken pen... but I can't
So I'll just have to settle for as big as I can!

We only need a bit for putting out washing and drinking wine in the summer? It's fine, they can have the rest

 

[3KillerBs]

That 4 square ft per bird (0.37 Square Meters) you'll only read on this BYC site.

Actually, the numbers are very old and based in agricultural practice from before powered ventilation was available. This is a quote from an article I'm writing:

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Where do these numbers come from?​

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Agricultural science has a very long history, though it wasn't necessarily applied to chickens until the early 20th century. The suggestion of 4-5 feet of floor space in the coop was made at least as far back as Poultry For the Farm and Home, a guide published by International Harvester's Agricultural Extension in 1921 with the goal of improving egg productivity by getting at least 100 eggs per hen per year from flocks of Leghorns. (Link to download .pdf here).​

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We can say that these numbers represent time-tested guidelines developed over at least a century by both scientific study and the practical experience of millions of chicken owners. They are, however, guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. I suggest that you read this article to help understand why these numbers are only a starting point. Additionally, we need to keep in mind that these numbers generally represent minimums and that some situations might call for significantly more space.​

Here in the Steamy Southeast, I find that I need at least double or possibly triple the ventilation to keep my coop under 100F when the temperatures are over 90F unless I can provide deep shade.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

As big as you can make it.

Think 8x8 or bigger. The closer the quarters the more behavioral problems there can be. Also when integrating birds in the future it is harder/takes longer for them to acclimate in close quarters.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Depends on the size of the chickens and their temperaments. I keep my groups in all sorts of sized pens, but also am always checking them for any signs someone is starting to get cranky with their space.

The general rules are just that. General, not specific. Unfortunately not every bird will react to the same space as each other.

 

[3KillerBs]

The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

 

[LoveMyGurls]

I must admit, I feel it's down to how happy you want your chickens to be. Mine has a big run and I'm going to make it even bigger and my chickens get the zoomies they are so happy. The happier they are the happier I am and the more pleasure I get from having them.

 

[-Flash-]

I must admit, I feel it's down to how happy you want your chickens to be. Mine has a big run and I'm going to make it even bigger and my chickens get the zoomies they are so happy. The happier they are the happier I am and the more pleasure I get from having them.

Yeah, I would turn my whole yard in a big chicken pen... but I can't
So I'll just have to settle for as big as I can!

 

[aart]

The general rules are just that. General, not specific.

Not general, but minimal.

 

[-Flash-]

The Usual Guidelines

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

Is standard size Plymouth Rocks and such?