How many can I have?!

[emma p]

Hello everyone,
So I have a coop that is 32 sq. ft. and a run that is 224 sq. ft. How many chickens can I really have, comfortably?
I do not even have any yet and want more!
I will have standard hens and, hopefully, a bantam rooster.
Thank you all so much,
-Emma

 

[itstrist]

you can fit probably about 8 hens in your coop. you could probably get away with 9 hens and a rooster if they aren't locked up in the coop all the time.

 

[Folly's place]

Give them more room; I figure five sq ft per bird, as at times in winter they won't want to go out. If your run has a solid roof, or if you live in a warmer climate, more birds will work. Crowding leads to many unpleasant issues. Bantams and very mellow big birds will be easier than some other breeds. Mary

 

[needlessjunk]

The general guideline is 4 sq ft per hen in the coop and 10 sq ft per bird in the run. However as I am learning there is no real set in stone answer. A lot depends on where you live. I'm in TX and we rarely have snow in the winter just a bit of ice a few days a year so my girls will be spending almost the entire year being able to go out. Also will they free range? I am going a bit smaller on the coop but larger for the run where as if you are in an area with real winter months then you will need a larger coop since the birds will spend more time in there for prolonged periods.

 

[emma p]

No they will not be able to free range... We have a dog that I am not sure what she would do with them. So do you think I could have like six? I live in Kansas, we have mild winters. But I also have a barn that they could go in if they really needed to.
Thanks for helping me,
Emma

 

[itstrist]

4 sq ft per hen in a 32 sq ft coop would be 8 hens.