How big would you make the coop - approx 20 - 25 hens. Hard winters.

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Yup!

I have an existing storage barn with a shed roof covered area on the East side which I was going to turn into the chicken house, with a run going around the South side of the barn about 15X20 ft, maybe could do a lean to roof over that, too. But I only have five chicks right now, so I'm wondering is that 5 X 4 sq. ft of floor space for enclosed chicken house

As a *minimum*. More is always better. Although in FL, ample pleasant shady airy area is more important than indoor space per se.

Welcome to BYC, have fun,

Pat​

 

[annek]

Quote:
Yes, the 4' per chicken seems to be the recommended floor space inside for chickens and 10' outside for chickens in the run. Of course if you have more, that is better.

 

[ducks4you]

Just a consideration--make sure that your roof is sloped. If you're getting enough snow in Vermont to drift to 6 ft (or more) a FLAT roof might cave in your birds from the weight of the snow. Remember, Lowe's and other hardware stores sell to the whole country.
**ducks4you is finished lecturing for the day**

 

[jubylives]

plus with a lot of snow the steeper the roof the better. Flat roofs are alway a bad idea. They will always ALWAYS leak eventually. Our new Super Walmart near hear had roof leaks the first month it was open. I do agree the bigger the better. I have 13 chickens and my coop is 4x12 plus a 4x6 extension and I've had no real issues except placement of nest boxes.

jeremy

 

[Judy]

Hayallen, you might find this thread helpful:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=163417