How much space...

[Sunshine Hen]

I've read so many different answers for this. How much space does each chicken need in their coop and run? I've heard from 2 square feet per bird up to 10 square feet. Which one is right? I'm only getting 3 chickens, so how big should the coop and run be??
Thanks.

 

[Saltiena]

usually i heard 4ft per bird, im pretty sure that is the most accurate one

 

[Llysse]

Yes, the usual recommendation is 4 square feet per bird of indoor coop space, with 12 square feet per bird of space in the run. If it's a chicken tractor, though, some people say you don't need as much space in the run, since the run stays fresh because it's moved so often.

 

[wynedot55]

the book says 4sqft in henhouse.an 10sqft in the run pre bird.but i dont go by the book.in my henhouse im running 7ft pre bird.but im under stocked.i like to run 2 or 3ft pre bird in henhouse.the reason for that is they out in the run all day long.

 

[wynedot55]

thats for roosting.an the book says 16 to 18in of roost space pre bird.but the hens always bunch up on the roost anyway.

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

Yes. I always wonder this too. There is coop space, roost space and run space.

My coop is 24 square feet. My 2 roosts run 68 inches long right in the middle of this 24 square feet of coop space. Is this okay?

I have five standards and two banties. 24 divided by 6 is 4 square feet. I used six, since the banties count as one Standard. 4 square feet.

Yet, two 68 inches long roosts are right down the middle. Each roosts gives them 11.3 inches of space. Maybe I should take the other roost out and give them more floor space. I would think that they would all want to roost together at night. I was also told that they don't hang out in the coop during the day.

Part of my run is below the coop, which would be 24 square feet, It is 3/4 protected from wind and predators. The rest is open for them to access the outdoors, with an additional 24 square feet run space. This would give me 8 square feet per bird. The coop moves on wheels, so therefore does that help with them not having 10 square feet? Also I plan on letting them free range as often as I can.

The roost and floor space is what is confusing. Any pros out there to comment?

Thanks