How many chickens can fit in a 7x7 coop?

[DeerChicken14]

Where are you located? Your weather is a factor in your decision.

Right now it's wet but there is a warm front coming and in the summer it gets really hot.

 

[aart]

I currently have 14 chickens and I would love to have some more this year. How many chickens can fit in a 7x7 coop?

What does your coop and run look like now?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely.
I'd not put 14 birds in a 7x7 coop unless you have a larger predator and weather proof run.

Right now it's wet but there is a warm front coming and in the summer it gets really hot.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Trevorusn]

It really does depend on situation and flock dynamic. I have 8 birds, 4 ISAs, 3 BJGs and one big Australorp roo, in my 4x6 coop and they have no issues even if they choose to stay in the coop all day due to single digits. No blood, no pecking, all content. Now, they do have run space in addition to this, so usually they are not in the coop much during good weather days
They have a very strong flock dynamic, having been together since chicks, and a very dominant leader so they most always keep peaceful, and they have plenty of roost space at night in case they want to spread out a bit, which they rarely do. We plan on a massive coop expansion come spring, but this scenario has worked good for us for some time now, even in bad weather.

 

[rosemarythyme]

A few other things to consider:

The "minimum recommended" sq footage applies to a pretty well established flock. Adding new birds, whether chicks or adults, takes more room, as birds jostle for space and ranking.

You will also need roost space AND ventilation to compensate for more birds. The ventilation part is important - even folks who have ample floor space can find that the coop became noticeably more humid and stinkier due to more birds breathing and pooping.

 

[NickyPick]

It's really going to depend on your run/outside area. If your hens only use the coop for sleeping/eggs, you can probably get more than 12 with no problem, as long as they have enough room outside the coop to get away from bullies. I have an aging flock. They seem to spend most of the day inside now, so my coop, which is 12x24, has 70 hens. With those measurements, that's close to the max I should have. If these girls spent more time outside, I'd probably get more, but with everyone hanging out inside all the time, it leaves more time for bullying. I'm currently dealing with the lower hens sleeping in the nest boxes (2-3 crowded in and pooping all night!).

 

[Malamute1]

I currently have 14 chickens and I would love to have some more this year. How many chickens can fit in a 7x7 coop?

My coop is small like 3x5 and 4' high at the peak. I have 6 Buff Orp & 3 Ameraucana. 6 nest boxes, 3 on top of 3. We added 2 upper roost and it has 2 just above the bottom tray. The attached run extends another 4.5' and 5' h. The coop door is always open. That way they can leave the coop in morn and my husband let's them out at first light. I always open end door on coop at night n count heads before I pick run door. 2 of the girls roost in top boxes. No one every lays in upper boxes. They only use 2 of bottom ones for eggs. There's usually 3 or 4 on top roost and 2 on middle roost and someone is always 1 sometimes 2 on bottom. The Ameraucanas are always in the same place. The buffs change around every night. The only bullying is when they are in the yard and I'm out with them. Then it's usually do to jealousy. I have 3 that don't want me touching or paying attention to anyone but them. As long as you free range they are only in the coop to lay or sleep. Where are you located. Weather makes a difference. Size of birds too. How many are you wanting to add? What size birds do you have now? Are your nest boxes in the coop or do they extend on outside of one side? If your boxes are in the coop you might want to consider a small remodel. Make you boxes external and add another roost inside.

 

[P and D Homesteading]

Honestly, Have kept 28 birds in an 8 x 12 shed...They be alright

 

[ChocolateMouse]

8x12sqft/4(per bird) is 24 birds. The bigger the coop is the easier it is to fudge the square footage and that's only a smidge over ideal anyhow.

 

[Lizzy733]

You will have a big problem integrating new birds if they are already in tight accommodations. Being raised together makes a big difference in how much they will tolerate one another and that just won't provide enough space for new birds to integrate safely.

 

[MountainWoman73]

I'll be honest, I personally feel they don't need as much space inside the coop and they need much more space than the "general rule of thumb" recommends for outside in the run. They primarily go inside the coop to sleep and lay eggs, and unless they're broody my hens don't hang out inside the coop. I very comfortably kept 20 chickens in my 7'x7' coop and I never had issues with bullying, there's actually a lot of room to spare on the roosts. Outside is another matter, they have a huge area to free range and if they only had 200sf to spend their day they would not be happy. One thing to consider that may or may not effect my flock's dynamic is that I predator proofed an enclosed run that is attached to the coop and it is open to the coop 24/7 so when they wake up in the morning they don't have to sit in their coop waiting for me to let them out.

Sure! There are lots of factors to consider. My birds occasionally get shut in or snowed in for a few days (Rocky Mountains) so mine need more inside space. If your coop is always open to the run, I can see getting away with a little less.