How much coop + run space?

[conklinator]

I am brand new to backyard chickens, and am looking for a little advice on how big to build my coop. I have done some research, and found most people saying 3 square feet per hen, but I'm not sure if I can go a tad smaller on the coop, if they will also have 24/7 access to some space in a secure outdoor run. I have 8 chicks in my brooder right now that will be ready to go outside in about a month. The coop I have planned will be about 21 square feet, and outdoor run will be about 90 square feet. Is this enough room for my 8 little ladies? Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[Spartan22]

I am brand new to backyard chickens, and am looking for a little advice on how big to build my coop. I have done some research, and found most people saying 3 square feet per hen, but I'm not sure if I can go a tad smaller on the coop, if they will also have 24/7 access to some space in a secure outdoor run. I have 8 chicks in my brooder right now that will be ready to go outside in about a month. The coop I have planned will be about 21 square feet, and outdoor run will be about 90 square feet. Is this enough room for my 8 little ladies? Any advice will be much appreciated.

You probably want to make it slightly bigger than you originally intended to anticipate problems( chicken quarantine, isolation-bullying) growth (chicken math- didn't believe it till this spring) weather related to your climate zone.

I had planned to build/buy a 4x4 coop but after further research decided to build an 8x12 shed/coop and 10' ceiling to store feeds and cleaning tools for shed & garden. I had 10 in my brooder last spring I only wanted 2-4 chicken. This spring we ended up bringing 14 more chicks(in brooder right now in my garage) I wish I added 6' more. I have an 8x16 covered run.