If coop is off ground can I count sq. ft underneath?

[Newchick?s]

I am trying to decide on what type of coop and run would work best. My head is spinning with the all the factors I need to consider! I have learned that I should allot 4 sq ft per chicken inside the coop and 10 sq ft per chicken in the run if they will remain in their run for prolonged periods of time. My question is, if I want to enclose the coop in the run and the coop is off the ground (the chickens could walk underneath it) can I count that sq footage underneath in my run total? For instance, I plan to have 10 chickens and would need 100 sq ft of run....could I put a coop that measures 5x8 in a 10x10 dog kennel and consider that enough room for them to move around? Thanks!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Yes! The space under the coop is included in sq ft for the run area.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

 

[SueT]

First welcome to BYC!
Yes, space under an elevated coop could count, but in a coop that large, you will truly appreciate standing headroom. Why not put it on the ground and have the run next to/connected to it?

 

[Newchick?s]

Thanks for the welcomes! I am also considering the option of connecting it, but I have a husband that is not interested in having to build much, so I am trying to look for options using pre-fabbed materials. I think the heavy duty kennels I looked at are 6 ft high. While I am excited to be starting a flock, I wanted to have all this research done BEFORE we had chicks but my hubby didn’t appreciate how much goes into it and pulled the trigger with very little warning to me!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! The disadvantage to the raised coop, is managing the space under it. Crawling under there to get eggs, a bird, or whatever will not be fun!!!
A garden type shed with attached run works fine, and saves building a structure from scratch. It will need additional openings/ windows for ventilation and light, and a dig-proof foundation.
Prefab coops are tiny fragile structures not worth the money!
Hoop coops built with cattle panels can be made safe and sturdy, and are inexpensive to build.
Then again, a Woods coop would be wonderful!
Mary

 

[Newchick?s]

Very good points! Thanks!