How much space?

[pattyjean73]

OK... I honestly try to find my answers before I post. This time isn't an exception but I find different answers. So how many coop feet are you giving your birds and and how run ft are you giving your birds? I read so many different answers. I find anywhere from 2 to 5 sq ft for coop and from 5 to 10 sq ft for run. What works?

I imagine it will somewhat depend on how much work you want to spend cleaning? Also depends on how much free range time the birds are allowed?

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[patandchickens]

"works" in what way? it is not a yes/no thing.

I've had chickens at 4-5 sq ft per hen (indoors, plus run), and currently most of them have 15+ sq ft per chicken (indoors, plus run)... and although they were not killing themselves or each other out of frustration or despair at the smaller square footage, you know what, THEY ACT DIFFERENT when given more space. More, I dunno how to put it, more relaxed, 'happier', more inclined to pursue personal hobbies and do different things at different times, I'm not sure how to effectively describe it but it's quite noticeable when you SEE it.

Consequently, since to me quality of life is more important than quantity of chickens, and especially since we have nasty long winters here, I do not see me ever providing less than 10-15 sq ft per hen (indoors, plus run).

Yes, this means having fewer chickens, but, you know.

JMHO,

Pat

 

[MaineChick]

LOL!!
>More, I dunno how to put it, more relaxed, 'happier', more inclined to pursue personal hobbies and do different things at different times, I'm not sure how to effectively describe it but it's quite noticeable when you SEE it.<

Exactly what sorts of personal hobbies do your chicks enjoy? Knitting? bug-hunting? macrame? wall-pecking?
Oh, that hit my funny bone! Still laughing...

I do know what you mean, though. My DH just got the long-promised coop finished enough to move them in for tonight, and they are MUCH happier. The brooder was 3x3, 9 square feet, and we have 11 four week old chicks. They've been spending a few hours outside in an 8 x 8 pen, 64 sq.ft., but they've still been getting a little testy with each other in the brooder. Now they have a brooder area with a light, but it's part of a 16x4 coop, same 64 sq.ft. they have outdoors. They are loving it! The pushy Sussex isn't jumping on the Orpingtons anymore, and they aren't shoving each other at the feeder anymore. Can't wait to see them doing crossword puzzles, though!

 

[Iceblink]

I agree, more room is better. I had 3 hens in a space that could have held 7 according to what I have read on here. They also got to free range in my fenced yard. They did show more personality when they had more room.

As for hobbies, one of them built herself a nest from grass she carried from all over the yard, one of them turned my compost pile throughly nearly every day, and the third sat in the nest box for most of the day and tried to go broody.

I think when they have plenty of room they are quieter and much healthier.

I wouldn't give less than 10 sq ft of run per bird. Maybe unless you have a tractor that you move every day.

As for how much inside space, that depends on your winters. Mine slept in a 2' by 3' dog crate (long story) and rarely went in their henhouse, so if they can be outside a lot, you could get away with a pretty small coop.

 

[SC_Hugh]

My friend and I built my chicken run today, pics to follow after the door is completed. My 4 chicks are only a month old, so it is too soon to tell how happy they will be.

My coop is 28 sq ft (4'x7') and my run is 32 sq ft (4'x8") for a total of 60 sq ft for my 4 chickens. I plan to leave the door to the coop open while they are out in the attached run = 15 sq ft per chicken.

In addition to my run, I want to build a add-on chicken tractor or in my words a "Space Pod" that will connect and disconnect from the run that will allow them to safety graze further out into space (my yard).

I think the 4' inside and 10' outside guidelines are great for getting started, but it also depends on your climate and how much time they will be forced to be inside, rather than being able to go out everyday.

--Hugh

 

[quiltnchik]

Quote:
Oh, man! You mean once I get rid of these excess cockerels, I might be able to convince the pullets to come in and finish some of these knitting and/or quilting projects for me? Who knew how handy having chickens around could be?!? Now I'll have all my UFOs out of the way and all my gifts ready way in advance!

 

[pattyjean73]

So...

A 6x8 coop and a 21x7 run will be plenty of room for 10 happy relaxed chickens? That's 48 sq ft coop and 147 sq ft of run. Maybe even 12? I guess I had more space than I thought.


My DH... he cracks me up sometimes. He is one of those that believes all is good in moderation. I'm one that gets obsessive and want MORE MORE MORE. I came to the conclusion that 10 to 12 would probably be ok. DH asked me how many that coop would house and I gave him my rough estimate of 8 to 10 a few days ago. He says "Oh, will that be enough or should I start on a second coop". ha ha ha What else could a wife say other than "Yup, we need another coop".

 

[ging3rhoffman]

....I dont know what to do. I have 19 hens and 1 rooster and they have an 8 x 10 coop and a 8 x 22 run. Im feeling guilty after reading this thread. I should have stopped at 12 chickens but didnt. What would you do? We dont want another coop or run. Should i part with some of them?

 

[quiltnchik]

To my estimation, 8 x 10 = 80 sq. feet, which equals 4 sq. feet per bird, so you should be fine. Anyone else want to chime in on this?

 

[ging3rhoffman]

I sure hope so. I have been going out each evening and letting them free range. I get my lawn chair out and watch them have a blast. I really want whats best for them and hope it will work out. I could always sell a few of them but dont know if they would have as nice of a home as they do here.