Minimal coop and run space

[Grant Wilson]

What is the minimal space I need in a coop and run for laying hens?

 

[bobbi-j]

There are "rules" or "formulas" about how much room you should have per hen, but I have never paid them much attention. I watch my flock. If my birds seem content and don't have behavioral problems, I figure they have enough room. When there is bullying and feather picking, I figure they need more space. Here is a good write-up from a very experienced and (in my opinion) trusted member of the BYC community:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

 

[Kikiriki]

I went small on the lock down coop, but gave a very big area for the run, which has the little coop inside. You can look at my pictures: the little white coop is for three hens at night, though now there are only two in there.

I got an additional coop for my new hens off craigslist for far less than the materials would have cost. I added safer wire, and just cleaned it and painted it. That one has two end boxes, each has an entry into its own nest area of equal size in the center.

The roaming area is mostly 8' wide, but it is about 80' long, has shade and rain cover, and some plants that are safe to nibble outside. Four hens are using it now, and I have 3 youngsters still in a brooder. They should be going out in a week or so, so that is seven hens... I put Timothy hay down because they like something to scratch around in, and it will help keep the area nicer...smells so good! I love hay!!

I feed them on the ground outside, and it has whole wheat in it...when it rains, the wheat sprouts and they get fresh wheat grass!

 

[bobbi-j]

A small coop for sleeping and laying in is fine for climates where the winters are not cold. Here in MN, I need a coop that will house my chickens comfortably when they do not wish to go out in the snow and cold. Every situation is different.

 

[Grant Wilson]

I live in mn too! would 2 sq ft be enough for my chickens?

 

[Mrs. K]

No, two square feet is not enough! In very cold climates, the small coops do not have enough space to keeps birds away from the walls and ceiling. Moisture condenses on the birds making them cold.

 

[bobbi-j]

No, two square feet is not enough! In very cold climates, the small coops do not have enough space to keeps birds away from the walls and ceiling. Moisture condenses on the birds making them cold.

This. May I ask why you are looking to keep chickens in as small a space as possible? Do you not have much room to let them roam? Honestly, if you aren't able to give them plenty of space to roam around in nice weather, and house them comfortably in the winter, I'd advise you not to get chickens.

 

[Grant Wilson]

I'm liking to keep them in as small as possible coop, if I put something to help keep wind out and heat in the run would the work with the coop?

 

[Grant Wilson]

And they will get to free range

 

[Grant Wilson]

Looking^^