How much space do 13 chickens need

[tlcmurphy]

16’X16’ is 256 sq ft. That’s plenty big enough for 13 birds. As @DobieLover mentioned, at least 160 sq ft (10’X16’)

 

[MysteryChicken]

Wow, I didn't know that the run needed to be so big. I was planning on 16ft x 16ft. But I guess I have to make some changes!

My birds have runs that are half the length of their Hen house.

 

[kattabelly]

Wow, I didn't know that the run needed to be so big. I was planning on 16ft x 16ft. But I guess I have to make some changes!

16 x 16ft is 256sqft, or just under 20sqft per bird if you have 13 chickens. That's more than the minimum you'll often see quoted of 10ft per bird - apparently that works for some people but I personally wouldn't like to go that low.

How were they kept before the bird flu lockdown came in, and how are they locked up now without a run? You might find they need more space if they aren't used to being locked up (or they might be fine, really depends on the birds).

Edit - if they have a huge walk-in type coop then you can probably get away with a bit less run space. Since you're in Ireland I was assuming that you probably had a smaller coop, like the ones that are more common here in the UK.

 

[janiedoe]

Do you have a walkin closet? Or a small bathroom. Go stand in that for an hour. Don't take a tablet or phone, just yourself. If you start to feel bored imagine what its like for a chicken 24/7. I know they aren't as intelligent as most humans but they do get bored. That leads to bullying. @DobieLover has given you the best answer.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Short answer, based on recommended minimum of 10sq ft/bird, is at the very least 130sq feet. 16x16 should be adequate for 13 hens as that would give you just under 20(19.7)sq ft/bird.

Personally I like to give my chickens more than the minimum recommended space. Right now I've got 6 hens in a 20x20 run. I'd probably feel comfortable having 8-10 birds in that space if I wasn't limited to 6 by the city ordinance.