How many hens in the new coop...?

[wjallen05]

We just build a new coop. The area the chickens have is 10x8 and then they will have a 300 sq foot run attached. I was planning on having around 18-20 hens (they are all small to medium size hens) do you think this will be enough space for them or will it be too crowded? I also let them out to free-range, they are out right now.
TIA.

 

[bufforp89]

earlier this year i had 27 chickens in an 8X8 coop. They free ranged all day. They were a little squished but they got along ok. I think your situation sounds fine.

 

[Sillystunt]

standard size 4sqft in coop, 10sqft per run
bantam size 2sqft in coop, 5sqft in run

Meaties are different.

 

[elmo]

Just remember that the more chickens in a given space, the more work keeping things clean enough for good health.

A few chickens in a large space means an easy job for the chicken keeper.

 

[SunnyDawn]

Quote:
That's plenty of space for 20 hens. The ideal amount of space is 4 square feet per large chicken, but if they have an outdoor run and you let them free range as well then a 10'x8' coop would be considered very luxurious. I'm sure your birds will be very happy!
I have 20 in an 8'x8' coop with a 20'x20' run and I use the deep litter method (with poop holes in floor, that are covered, for easy cleaning) and they free range in my yard for several hours each day. They are very happy in there!

 

[wjallen05]

Okay great. Thank you for the replies! Now I just have to decide which ones to keep and which to let go... I have 16 hens, 9 big pullets, and 5 small pullets. Life would be so much easier if I wasn't so obsessed with chickens.