If I have 10 chickens how big does the coop have to be?

buttons · Jan 25, 2009

I plan to have 8 silkies and right now I have to meat birds(I do not plan to eat them they have been named) how many feet should the coop be? right now I 'm thinking 5'wide 7'long for the run then 5ftwide and 3 feet long for the coopis that big enogh?

william9792 · Jan 25, 2009

need 4sq feet per bird

Chicken Woman · Jan 25, 2009

3 sq foot for silkies 4 sq foot for standards

patandchickens · Jan 26, 2009

You will have a run, also, yes?, so we're just talking about *indoor* space here?

Normally I would say 40 sq ft would do ya, but you may want to go a bit bigger than that. Two reasons: mature broilers are BIIIIIIIG (be aware they do not live normal lifespans, and if they are pets I hope you are restricting their feed and providing ample exercise), and also most people end up getting more chickens later on.

It also depends on your climate. If it's nice year-round and the birds will have access to a good-quality run with some shelter in it and good (not horribly swampy) footing, you can stick with a smaller size coop (if you really insist) than if you are somewhere with long stretches of weather in which the chickens may not be wanting to spend lotsa time outside.

Have fun,

Pat

buttons · Jan 26, 2009

Thanks! I think I'll stick to 4 square feet per chicken. I'll let my chickens be free ranged when I can wach them cause I don't want a hawk or racoons to eat them.
I live in a nice sunny part of california .I have nice solid ground to build on.

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