New Chicken Owner... Coop/Run Big Enough??

[fischnchix]

Just make sure they have enough perch space to roost comfortably and do your best to weatherproof the run if you don't end up adding to the coop.

 

[aart]

The minimum space per bird is 2 sqft. And it gradually escalates up depending on who you talk to. Nowadays its common for people to recommend 4sqft/bird. Some people even say 5-6. But the standard is 2sqft. The more space you give them the better within reason, and the coop will be cleaner in general with more space. Staying around 2sqft will mean more frequent coop cleanings for sure. As long as roost space is adequate for the amount of birds, then the actual square footage of the coop is less meaningful. They also need less space if they are free ranging or have access to a large run during the day. Roost space is by far the most critical in my opinion. You want at least 6-12inches per bird, and i think the sweet spot is around 8-10 inches. Using a 1x8 or 2x8 as a roost in a small coop can help maximize space as they will stagger themselves on it and have plenty of space but in a shorter span than say using a 2x4. They usually roost fairly close together anyway, i never see them spaced evenly 1 foot apart, just sayin. But they do need room to turn around in a circle essentially on the roost, shift etc, which is the purpose of the 6-12in

That is an industry production facility standard...most BYCer's aim to avoid just that type of environment.

They can sleep on less than 1 foot of roost per bird, but need more to get settled.

Even the 4sqft rule is a minimum IMO, based on first hand experience with chickens in a harsh winter climate.

@chickiechick12 Unless your run is large and protected from snow accumulation and winds.....
........they are going to be crowded when winter weather keeps them cooped up for day at a time.

 

[Folly's place]

Aart is so right! Eighteen sq. ft. would be okay for four, maybe five, polite birds in winter. Covering the run, or shovelling it out, will help in winter. Chickens are not lovers of snow! Mary

 

[chickiechick12]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone!!! The 12x12 run will be covered so no/little snow in the run for the winter. It's also tucked into a protected corner of our yard. I'm actually hoping I have at least one or two roosters in there and our space will be better I think 6 would be great. I know a few people who would love to take another chicken so even if we end up with 8 hens I might share to get down to 6... I just didn't want to end up with less than 6.

But really. Thanks for the input guys... coming into the chicken world has been pretty fun so far Looking forward to a lot more learning!!!

 

[tracecom]

Try to maximize the 18 square feet by keeping everything possible off the floor.