how many hens can live in my coop?

[chkinut]

hi guys! i am debating whether to have 4 or 5 standard hens. my coop is 3' x 4' (not including the 2 nesting boxes, which jut out at the side of the coop). my run is 4' x 8'. THEN they have a portable dog kennel run which is 7' x 12' that they will spend more than half their day in. any ideas? 4 or 5 hens? which would be better?

 

[newchicksnducks]

The actual coop is 12 square feet (3x4). The square foot per bird that is recomended on BYC is 4 sq per standard bird. That comes out to 3 chickens.....

 

[churchx3]

Imagine my shock when I finished my 4x8 coop and was told that I really could only fit 7 comfortably...am now trying to figure out how to add on so I can get addl chicks...am thinking of converting my 10x12 utility shed to my "new coop"...that should be just about right

 

[bigstack]

Yep! 4sq ft per bird in the coop and 10sq ft per bird in the run. These are the minimums! You can do less but it is not a good idea. It increases bad behavior and is un healthy for the birds! Its just too cramped and not enough ventilation can be a real killer in a small coop! Birds give off HUGE amounts of Co2 and heat!

Good luck and God Bless!

 

[chkinut]

thank you all SO much!! that really helps!

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
4 would be just fine I try to give mine 3 sq ft a piece, good luck.