I'm going to start raising chickens this spring

[jc9766]

I'm planning on starting to raise chicks this spring- I'm trying to figure out the size of the coop that would be best- I was thinking of a 4 ft deep x 5 ft long and 4 feet high- I want to have 6 hens- medium and large. I live in upstate new york and will have some outdoor space for them but they will spend time inside and I want them to have enough room. Is this large enough?

 

[chickflick]

I don't think that's big enough for six hens. Figure 4 square feet for each chicken. Overcrowding will cause lots of problems. This site is great. Lots of folks to help you figure things out. Don't be afraid to ask... we were all new at one time.

 

[J's Orpingtons]

 

[P-Funk]

Welcome from Colorado! Originally from Hornell, NY. You will need a much bigger coop if you've ever done 'chicken math'

 

[ECBW]

The size you have in mind is fine for the 6, maybe 1 or 2 more depending on how you lay out the interior, provided that there is a secured run.

Keep in mind how you will maintain the coop. Low ceiling is not good for walk-in coop. Mine is similar size and a reach-in type. Everything is within arm's reach from the door.

 

[CheerioLounge]

from Twentynine Palms in the high desert of California! As you have already seen, you'll find a lot of friendly and knowledgeable folks here who are always ready to help!


Are you asking about a coop or a run or both? I know the terminology can be confusing... My coop is about 5' x 5' with 2 roosts allowing a little more that 1 foot per roosting bird. I also have 3 nesting boxes in the coop. I also have a fully enclosed run attached to the coop that measures 7' x 15'.

My girls prefer to roost in the run most nights and only use the coop to lay. They really only roost in the coop when it's raining or really cold. Pretty smart girls!

Hope that helps!

 

[TheJuan-n-Only]

many people will give you many different answers to the "space" quiestion. I say, the bigger the better. I have a 4'x5'x4 as you mention...but mine is 3 sided open to a 5'x10' run..(you can look at it on my coop page) with another 12sq feet on the other side of the coop (total of 62 sq feet run)..I have many roosts in the run and the coop for them to jump on and to get out of each other's way... I have 5 birds, I I would hate to see them cooped up all day in a 4'x5'...would they survive probably...could the be happy? probably not...mine can't wait to get out of the run as it is to free range! lol

 

[S&N Livestock]

from Ohio

 

[Imp]

Imp

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.