How much space do I need?

[Duck_Lover123]

I want to buy 2 chickens and a rooster to start a backyard flock. I plan on letting them roam my backyard but I still need recomendations on which coops I should get, coop size, and amenities for them.

 

[Yardmom]

Are you planning on 3 birds total (2 girls and 1 boy) or 2 birds. For 3 birds many recommend 12 square feet plus nest space. Is your yard secure from predators? Would the chickens be able to be in the yard during all daylight hours even if you are not home? If not most on BYC recommend 30 square feet of run for 3 birds.

Experienced breeders do occasionally have trios with 2 hens and a roo, but I would not recommend that for a first time chicken owner. Some owners try to keep at least 7 hens per roo. Why do you want a rooster? Would just getting hens first be a possibility?

 

[Duck_Lover123]

Are you planning on 3 birds total (2 girls and 1 boy) or 2 birds. For 3 birds many recommend 12 square feet plus nest space. Is your yard secure from predators? Would the chickens be able to be in the yard during all daylight hours even if you are not home? If not most on BYC recommend 30 square feet of run for 3 birds.

Experienced breeders do occasionally have trios with 2 hens and a roo, but I would not recommend that for a first time chicken owner. Some owners try to keep at least 7 hens per roo. Why do you want a rooster? Would just getting hens first be a possibility?

I want to have 3 birds total but might be able to get 3 hens and 1 rooster. I mainly want a rooster to be able to expand my flock without the need to buy. I have some experience raising to ducks from ducklings to adults. They were outside the whole day and nothig happened to them, so I believe that my backyard is safe of predators.

 

[StinkyAcres]

What is your location? Climate is very important to consider when choosing a coop.

Since you want to eventually expand your flock you'll need to go bigger. How many do you think you'll eventually want to keep?

 

[Duck_Lover123]

I live in south florida in a suburban area.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I live in south florida in a suburban area.

Okay, great to know. You will want an open-air coop. Basically a predator-proof run with three walls and a roof on one side. This can be made of a large dog kennel or something similar. At least 10 square feet per bird is what I would recommend.

 

[Bawkbok]

If you're in a suburban area, the assumption is that you've checked local ordinances and roosters are legal. They can be very loud and many people don't like roosters. They are not allowed anywhere in our county - although people do have them from time to time as we hear them at a distance. Be sure they're legal first.
The typical recommendation ratio I've seen here is 8 females to 1 rooster.
Build your coop and run to accommodate the size flock you will end up with not what you will start with to avoid having to add on or enlarge it later.
Minimum 10 sq. ft. per adult size bird for run space, excluding items you have in the run that take up space, i.e., perches, feeders, waterers, etc. Minimum 4 sq ft per adult bird for roosting is what is recommended.

 

[Duck_Lover123]

Since I am new i will not get a rooster. I calculated my outdoor section where I want to keep them. It is 12ft by 6ft. Is this enough space? I dont want to confine them too much. I only plan on getting 4 hens. Also, any tips on how many nesting boxes I should get? I want to build a 4ft by 4ft raised coop that will be enough space for them to sleep and lay. I plan on making the coop to save money.

 

[Bawkbok]

12 x 6 = 72 sq. ft. which is enough space for four hens for the run following the 10 rule. I believe the recommendation for nest boxes is one box per four birds, minimum 12x12 space. If you build two boxes, you will create choices for the girls and a couple of them may end up laying at the same time so you want them to have space for that. Our boxes are 10x10 and they do just fine but they are medium size birds. I don't think a giant would be comfortable but we don't plan on acquiring any giants or larger birds.

As you live in FL, may I suggest an open air run vs. three sides enclosed. Reason is they will need air movement and circulation in this hot, humid climate. Our run is open air on four sides and we use a heavy tarp as the 'roof'. We also have a large box fan hanging in the corner of the run up high to circulate the air. On hot days, which we've had our share of already, they tend to lay underneath it. Ventilation and circulation is important in this climate.

Additionally, have tarps to cover the side of prevailing wind and rain. When the wind is strong they don't like to be blown to smithereens. If the wind is greater than 10mph our girls seem to get anxious so we tarp the side of prevailing wind and they immediately calm down. We also cover in a driving or heavy rain (which is rare).

Good luck with your build. What breeds have you settled on? Chickening is so much fun. Congratulations. We'd love to see pics if you're willing to share.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Yes, please go for an open air coop with nothing completely enclosed in four solid walls. It will be easier to build anyway.

Something like this (from Google search):