How many chickens can fit in my coop.

[colejohnson73]

The coop is 4x4 with 3 nesting boxes and the run is 4x8.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Will they be staying in the run at all times or will they be let out for free ranging?

A general rule of thumb oft-quoted on BYC is 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop PLUS 10 square feet per chicken in the run. Your limiting factor in your case is your run.

However, if you will be letting them out, say once a day to free range and they will get their energy out that way, so to speak, then they can tolerate more to the coop than otherwise.

Also if you have snow in winter and they will basically live inside, that is another story. I would recommend even fewer chickens than the general rule of thumb if that is the case.

It is recommended to have 5 chickens per nest box, unless of course you have lots of broody hens.

Hope this helps you!

 

[colejohnson73]

Thanks. They will most likely come out a few times to free range.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thanks. They will most likely come out a few times to free range.

Oh then don't worry too much about your run size unless you will be cooping them up for vacations and such!

 

[Folly's place]

Here in Michigan, winter snows are a big issue, as the birds don't want to walk in it. I've got about five sq. ft. per bird in my coop, and many are bantams. It's still pretty tight in there in snowy weather! If your run has a solid roof and is predator proof, you can keep the coop open and the flock slightly larger. I would plan on three or four hens otherwise in your coop, unless they are all bantams. Mary