Is this an okay size for coop and run?

[MrPickles58]

Hi I’m new to chickens but would like to get about 8 hens and currently building a 4.8m (15.5ft) x 2m (6.5ft). Is that big enough? I was thinking about buying this coop to go in it:
https://www.inthemarket.ie/shop/12-...CKLlwuHrgqzY1hm7134RAilUQ54C-9xhoCyNEQAvD_BwE
The plan was to raise it about 2ft so that the chickens could shelter under it. Alternatively it could sit outside with an run extension.
Is this a decent coop? It says it’s suitable for 12 chickens but would 8 fit comfortably? I don’t want them to be cramped. I will be free ranging when possible but they will be in the run most of the time.
I’m getting a lot of conflicting information on google.
I’ve attached a picture so you can get an idea of the size run I’m building. I’ve a smallish urban garden with neighbours close by, low boundary walls and a very predatory cat living Nextdoor. So free ranging will be limited as I will need to supervise.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I believe it is to small.
It comes to roughly 4'x4' and that includes the nest boxes.
Not enough room for anything except sleeping.

Having 8 sleeping in that space if you get cold winters is a good way for them to get frostbite.

Since yours will be in the coop and run most of the time I would go with at the very least a 4'x8' coop. If your nests will be inside the coop (not sticking out a side) I recommend a 6'x8' coop.

Honestly I have a 6x8 coop with 8 birds right now. I modified it so my nests are sticking out the side so they have more space.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Have to agree cut in half what they claim is the rule of thumb
but Welcome to Backyard Chickens if you buy a shed at DIY store cut a chicken door lay hardware cloth apron 10 x 8 or 12 x 12 can even have chicken math

 

[Parront]

Hi I’m new to chickens but would like to get about 8 hens and currently building a 4.8m (15.5ft) x 2m (6.5ft). Is that big enough? I was thinking about buying this coop to go in it:
https://www.inthemarket.ie/shop/12-...CKLlwuHrgqzY1hm7134RAilUQ54C-9xhoCyNEQAvD_BwE
The plan was to raise it about 2ft so that the chickens could shelter under it. Alternatively it could sit outside with an run extension.
Is this a decent coop? It says it’s suitable for 12 chickens but would 8 fit comfortably? I don’t want them to be cramped. I will be free ranging when possible but they will be in the run most of the time.
I’m getting a lot of conflicting information on google.
I’ve attached a picture so you can get an idea of the size run I’m building. I’ve a smallish urban garden with neighbours close by, low boundary walls and a very predatory cat living Nextdoor. So free ranging will be limited as I will need to supervise.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

In the description it said, "RSPCA guidelines" are 12"x12". One sq foot per chicken might meet a guideline for a giant layer farm with 20,000 chickens in a 20,000 sq ft barn, but for pets most here like to have at least 4 sq ft per bird. 12 sq feet would only make 3 pets happy with that space, even with room in a run which looks to be about 20' long in your photo. You might want think about skipping the skimpy coop and spend your money enclosing & roofing one end of the run?