Beekissed has given excellent advice. I have a 5 x 6 coop and 3 nesting boxes for 6 hens and I wished it were a little bigger. Thinking about enlarging it this Spring. They do not free range, but have a run approximately 300 sq ft. and spend most of their time there. The run is very predator proof, but I still lock them in their coop at night. My girls are pets and I agree that if an animal, no matter what kind is going to a source of food, it should be treated very well. And yes, I have invested quite a bit to keep my girls happy and healthy. Wouldn't have it any other way.