I have a 8'x10' coop as well it was a shed but now i have made it to be a chicken coop. would the 8'x10' coop be okay for 18 to 20 chickens if i wasn't free ranging?
Took me awhile to answer. Well, you would be fine using that size for a safe roosting area at night and nesting hens. I have a big yard surrounding my coop. I found the more space you give your chickens, the less they will mat up the yard with feces, and the less they will prevent the grass from growing. I found a comfortable number for the size coop I have is 12. It's easier to keep the coop clean and the air is fresher. I'd also recommend covering the top of the yard with chicken wire. I remember being very happy with my new yard raising some chicks into happy pullets and cockerels. They were out in the yard one day and down came a hawk that made off with one.