How many chickens could be in a 8 ft by 15ft coop?

[Minniechickmama]

In the books I have read and used for planning a build coops, for confined birds it is recommended to have at least 10 square feet per bird. This is for standard size chickens. A couple of the books were by Gail Damerow, but the information was gathered from several Land Grant Universities.

 

[Junkmanme]

I also think that the 4 square-foot figure is "arbitrary". I think that there could be situations where cubic feet would be a better measurement to use......particularly with a HIGH building with a small "footprint" (depending upon the interior design).

But, for a "ball-park figure"....I suppose 4 square-foot is a reasonable number to use....in most instances.

-Junkmanme-

 

[patandchickens]

Yes, that is how people justify "the 4 sq ft rule" as it is often termed on this forum.... "4 sq ft in the coop plus 6 sq ft in the run equals 10 so if I am giving them 4 plus *10* then see I am going above and beyond and they must be happy!!"

In reality, remember that the "10 sq ft total for confined birds" is, again, intended only to avoid the worst likelihood of cannibalism. Normalcy of behavior was not a consideration. Just, "it WORKS in terms of giving you birds that are alive, not dropping dead of disease, and laying reasonably well".

I have a feeling that many of the "4 sq ft rule of thumb" brigade are so confident that it's working great for their chickens chiefly because they have not SEEN their chickens at, say, 14 sq ft plus ample run. If you have nothing to compare to...

Pat

 

[Hazeldazel]

In the newest Storey's Guide, Gail Damerow lists 4 sq. feet per bird for heavy breeds in an open house; 10 sq feet for confined housing. For light breeds, 3 sq. ft. for open house; 7.5 sq. ft. for confined housing. She makes a good point that while many people criticize her suggestions as being too generous, she rarely experiences the problems she hears about from other chicken keepers. "Given adequate space, the lowest birds on the peck order have an easier time of it," she writes. I have 14 hens and one rooster. My henhouse is 8'x10', with an attached run of 10'x12'. So far so good.