How many hens??

[IdyllwildAcres]

Ok. I keep seeing 2 SF Per bird for the inside during my research. Maybe that’s an older recommendation. I was going to at least give 3SF per bird but now i will reconsider. Thanks so much.

2SF would be a cage situation, with no regard for the wellbeing of the bird.

Bigger is better, plus you will want more next year.

Gary

 

[RonP]

Here is a very informative article you might find interesting that will answer many of your questions.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-much-room-do-chickens-need.66180/

 

[Folly's place]

I plan on more than four ft. per bird, and I have both standards and bantams. This winter I have 41 birds, half bantams, and their coop/run roofed area is 24'x13', so about 7.5 sq. ft. per bird. When they are in all day that's actually kind of cozy!
Ignore the 2' per bird stories! You and your birds will not be happy!
Mary

 

[PirateGirl]

https://www.livinghomegrown.com/day-24-biggest-concerns-about-raising-backyard-chickens/

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-much-space-do-your-chickens-really-need/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-much-room-do-chickens-need.66180/

 

[song of joy]

I figured at least 4 sq feet of coop space per bird, which works out to 4 hens for 16 square feet (4 x 4 foot coop). Even that may be over-crowded if they are stuck inside during harsh winter weather, although a big covered run would give them extra space to move around.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC @Kadaily Forget about the "for dummies" article... Only dummies follow that 2' guidance.

For full sized chickens, you are best to use 4 sqft per bird as a minimum. With bantams you can get away with 3 sqft/bird. When the weather turns bad and your girls can't/won't go outside, they will be stuck inside for a period of time that they are NOT sleeping and will get aggravated much easier and you almost certainly will have issues. Couple that with lost space for food and water containers inside. 2' is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy.

For run space, most folks here recommend 10sqft/bird for LF (large fowl) birds. The attached run there is ~32 sqft so ideally would house 3 birds. Remember you'll lose space for food/water/toys/etc. You can get away with 4 in there with the thought and hope that you'll be letting them out to free range most days. Otherwise, they are going to be "on top" of each other and trapped/locked in a dirt filled prison. Any grass inside will be gone in days, and they'll be scratching/digging out dust bathing areas.

Spend some time here browsing around and you'll "meet" a lot of great folks! There's a wealth of good info here and lots of knowledge and experience shared! Make yourself at home! Oh, and you really should put at least your general location in your profile as it has a huge impact on advice/help asked for or provided. Also, share some pics of you birds and setup as we're all pic addicts!

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Thanks so much. That says 2 square feet per bird. If that is true then i can have 8 max. I’m confused! Everyone seems to think 4 max...

Well then I recommend 5! Up to you thought!

 

[chickens really]

Exactly what breeds?...You mention Silkies and then standard Hens..You could house 4 Orpington Hens or possibly 7 Silkies..Certain breeds require way more room or behavioural problems occur..Docile breeds would be best suited for your Coop size..

 

[aart]

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/how-much-space-do-your-chickens-really-need/

This article started out good for space....until I read this BS:
"In the winter, extra space holds more cold air that chickens have to fill with body heat, so don’t waste space;" didn't read any further.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-much-room-do-chickens-need.66180/

This^^^ is my go to article.

 

[Folly's place]

I forgot to add that Silkies and big birds often don't work out well together, and it would be a real issue if crowded! Mary