how many square feet do I need to house 10 to 14 Chickens?

[nickers]

well the title told you most of my question. I am going to get 10 to 14 chickens soon

and I need to know how many square feet I need in all (for the coop and run) to house 10 to 14 mostly standard sized chickens, so do you know the requirements? and if you have any ideas of chicken coops feel free to share,

 

[Bethel3330]

The numbers I used was 4sf per bird in the coop and 10sf in the run. Already I can see a bigger run is needed but the coop seems to be adequate.

 

[nickers]

well they are going to be mostly free range, I am going to let them out of the coop like 1 to 3 hours at a time, more than 2 times a day,

 

[3riverschick]

well they are going to be mostly free range, I am going to let them out of the coop like 1 to 3 hours at a time, more than 2 times a day,

Hi ,

Bethel is right about spaces per bird. There's a wonderful "coop" gallery here
at BYC with categories for small , medium, and large.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
If you raise you coop 2 feet you can count the space underneath as run footage and reduce the overall footprint of your coop/yard. Plus, it gives the birds an outside foul weather shelter and scratching shed. I don't know where you are or what breeds you have. This space requirements are for large fowl. For bantams, 1/2 them. If you live where the birds will be cooped for any long periods due to foul weather, then you need the 4 and sq. ft. inside. otherwise you may have problems with stress ( example , feather picking). If it never gets below freezing where you are, you can get by with 3 sq. ft. per bird.
Best,
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[peeweethechick]

I did 4sf in the coop area!! I also made a nesting box for every two chickens( I want a nesting box for each but I got 3 chick then someone brought me two more) and in the run I say 5sf per bird if you are going to let them run around every once in a while if not I think 7sf should do!!

 

[3riverschick]

Classic thinking is one nesting box for every 5 hens. No reason one couldn't provide more. Might avoid a situation
I had last year when one hen of the trio went broody on eggs.Her sister and the cock both joined her in the nest!
It was quite the crowded affair, smile.
Best,
Karen

 

[nickers]

Hi ,

Bethel is right about spaces per bird. There's a wonderful "coop" gallery here
at BYC with categories for small , medium, and large.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
If you raise you coop 2 feet you can count the space underneath as run footage and reduce the overall footprint of your coop/yard. Plus, it gives the birds an outside foul weather shelter and scratching shed. I don't know where you are or what breeds you have. This space requirements are for large fowl. For bantams, 1/2 them. If you live where the birds will be cooped for any long periods due to foul weather, then you need the 4 and sq. ft. inside. otherwise you may have problems with stress ( example , feather picking). If it never gets below freezing where you are, you can get by with 3 sq. ft. per bird.
Best,
Karen in western PA, USA

Thank you soooo much!!

we live in south CA, so it never gets below freezing, and thanks for the good advice!