Inside or outside coop measurement?

[bear0806]

The coop I'm looking at is 8.5 long x 5.5 wide (with nesting box measurement included-so maybe 3.5/4foot) x 7.5 high to peak with sloped roof. Is this large enough for 10 chickens if I add several roosts to choose from?

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

8.5 * 3.5 = 29.75ft²
8.5 * 4 = 34ft²
8.5 * 5.5 = 46.75ft²

10 chickens require a recommended minimum of 4ft² each (40ft² total), I believe this is stated not including roost space and nest boxes.

Possibly, if you have a small breed it could be okay? Otherwise I'd recommend 6-8 chickens, especially if you're new to them. Trust me even 2 birds can be a lot of work.

 

[bear0806]

I thought the fact that it is 5-7 feet tall (at different locations since it is sloped roof) would increase the capacity so 10 might be okay.

 

[Ted Brown]

Square footage required for chickens is floor space only, height does not increase that.

 

[mowin]

Got a link to this coop?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens don't stack. Height helps increase air volume (which is a good thing) and gives you more vertical space to add ventilation, move/stack things like roosts and nests, etc. but does not give you extra room for more birds.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

If you put your location into your profile people can give better-targeted advice.

The Usual Guidelines:

8 hens

• 32 square feet in the coop. 4'x8' is approaching the limits for a non-walk-in coop even with the access door in the middle. 6'x6' should be walk-in because even the tallest chicken-keeper won't be able to reach the far wall.
• 8 feet of roost
• 80 square feet in the run. 8'x10' is a nice looking number but, remembering the common dimensions of lumber, a roomier 8'x12' is actually easier to build. 6'x14' looks good on paper but would require a lot of weird cuts.
• 8 square feet of ventilation.
• 2-3 nest boxes.

12 hens

• 48 square feet in the coop. 6'x8' is more practical than 4'x12' since a long, skinny coop like that would be difficult to work inside.
• 12 feet of roost
• 120 square feet in the run. 10'x12' or 8'x15' -- 8'x16' means fewer odd cuts than either of those. 6'x20' is possible, especially if your run is an open-topped, fenced area instead of fully-enclosed with a solid and/or wire roof but risks social problems because subordinate hens need to be able to pass the dominant hens at a respectful distance.
• 12 square feet of ventilation.
• 3 nest boxes.

And a more nuanced look at chickens' space needs: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-much-room-do-chickens-need.66180/

I thought the fact that it is 5-7 feet tall (at different locations since it is sloped roof) would increase the capacity so 10 might be okay.

No, I'm afraid not. Chickens don't stack for storage.

Height is, however, your friend, both in terms of not hitting your head when working inside the coop and in terms of supplying good ventilation.

Repecka Illustrates Coop Ventilation

 

[bear0806]

Okay...all good advice. Thank you . We have 34sq feet and 9 hens so I think we will be okay.

 

[mowin]

Okay...all good advice. Thank you . We have 34sq feet and 9 hens so I think we will be okay.

Your tight, especially if you live in a cold snowy climate. On the days, or weeks where they just won't leave the coop, your going to want some wiggle room.