How many in the pen

[equinealot]

So, if I am going to let them out every day how many should I house in a 12 x 12 area?

 

[DraigAthar]

Is that coop, or run? I generally follow these rules for standard breed chickens:
4 sq ft per bird of enclosed coop space PLUS 10 sq ft per bird of fenced outdoor run.
We have long winters, so several months of the year free ranging is no longer an option and the girls effectively live in total confinement. This sort of space allotment seems to work well for us.

 

[equinealot]

Tks for the info.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I utilize less coop space per bird than that but they have more run space. 10 sqft per bird as per run size is a good amount and they'll use it all scratching about. If you don't heat your coop and provide wind barriers for run and don't keep them cooped in on days they'll only use the coop to roost.