How much space do you actually need in their coops/runs?

[californiachick74]

Hi everyone,

Im having issues with my chickens pecking at eachother. Ive been told its because they are bored and also because they are in too close of proximity...so can anyone tell me how much space 11 chickens actually need? Thank You

 

[Year of the Rooster]

The general rule of thumb is 4 sq. ft. per bird for a Standard chicken. It is 2 sq. ft. for a Bantam but this is only for their coop IF they have a run. If they have a run, the run should be about 8-10 ft per Standard chicken and 6-8 ft. per Bantam chicken. If you DO NOT have a run or if they will be in their coop almost all the time, it should be 10 sq. ft in their coop per chicken.

So, following those guidelines, your chickens will need 44 sq. ft. maximum IF you have a run for them. The run will have to be around 88 sq. ft., give or take a few. If you do not, then you will need 110 sq. ft in their coop.

 

[patandchickens]

Frankly mine seem a lot happier and more settled with more like 8-15 sq ft per chicken indoors *plus* a good sized run. (As compared to when they've been in smaller pens).

I don't think there's a single magic number for everyone -- it depends on what kind of chickens you have (not just breed, but their particular personalities and flock dynamics) and what size and type of run they have and how long they can spend out there (not just what you allow, but what the weather is like) and how much there is for them to do out there, and so forth.

Good luck,

Pat

 

[CityChook]

I have 12 ft. per chicken in the coop and another 12 ft per chicken in the run. I have yet to have pecking problems and have already had to leave them "cooped up" because of inclimate MN weather. I think you're right - they're bored. Don't know how much space you have. But my girls race around the coop and party and I don't feel bad AT ALL when I have to leave them in the coop all day. That said, I'm having a devil of a time keeping the coop toasty because it's a little too big... oh well. Not an all together BAD problem to have.

BTW, what DO chickens do all day?

 

[mtnhomechick]

In my coop I have exactly 2.5 sq. ft. per bird. BUT......I have a huge attached run.

The only time they are in the coop is to lay or sleep. I always leave the coop doors open to the run.

I think it keeps them warmer in cold weather to have a smaller coop but to have access to the run at all times is so important.

I also free range for an hour or so every day.

Never had a problem so far.

Mary

 

[californiachick74]

Yep my run is too small

Looks like we will be doing some renovations. The coop isnt the problem its there outdoor run. Its too small and they have nothing to do...thanks for you help!