How many chickens can I have in coop

[bjklemm]

We are building a coop and based on the dimensions wondering how many chickens we can have. I don't want them to be crowded. They will be in their coop/run 75% of the time and free ranging the other 25%. The bottom floor will be 60 sq ft and the 2nd floor will be 20-30 sq ft.

 

[Judy]

There is a formula, but there also really isn't a good, simple answer. Here is an excellent post on space:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700308/coop-and-run-size/0_20#post_9504811

 

[SmallTwn farmer]

I'm not to sure but, I was told that a good way to tell is 2 sq. ft. per grown-up chicken, and a lot of roosting space if you want a lot of chickens.

 

[Judy]

I'm not to sure but, I was told that a good way to tell is 2 sq. ft. per grown-up chicken, and a lot of roosting space if you want a lot of chickens.

The rule of thumb usually given here is 4 sq ft per adult chicken in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run. Roost space is 8" to 9" per adult bird. These are minimal numbers, designed to prevent most cases of severe pecking/cannibalism. I've seen 2 sq ft on the web but it is more like an industry minumum, and may actually be less than many countries allow now. Not something I keep up with.