NEW CHICKEN OWNER What's a good size?

[Selenyx]

Hello, I am a new chicken owner, who is a freshman in High school. I currently have one chick who is 3 weeks old, and need a coop. My father is offering to build one for me, and so I need sizes.
I am hoping to possibly house 5 or so chickens whenever this chaos at home settles down (Long story, a post for later).
Thank you very much for your time.

 

[vehve]

Welcome to the site!

I suggest checking out the Coops section of the site. Most people write down for how many inhabitants their coops are meant. Also you'll get loads of inspiration and think of a lot of cool features to add to your design (I apologize to your father in advance ).

 

[countrygirl86]

Hello and welcome!

Plan on 4-5 square feet per chicken minimum. More space is always better. The learning center is a great source of information.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

I agree, around 4 sq feet per chicken is a good way to start. It also depends on how much of their time will be spent in the coop and if they will be allowed out.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

Quote:
One thing to think about is what's called Chicken Math! What that means is that the statement "possibly house 5 or so" really means 10-15 once you get started. LOL!

Once you get started with chickens one of two things will happen, either you won't enjoy it(although this is rare) or you will become severely addicted and want more and more. I've only had mine for a year, I started with 7hens and added a free craigslist Roo to the flock several months ago and I already feel the tug of "I wants" in reference to more. Not that I just want more birds but I see many different breeds I'd like to check out also. My original setup was designed with 8 birds in mind and my wife has to keep reminding me that I already have 8 so have no room for more.
But I find myself looking on Craigslist for more dog kennel panels to expand the run or build another one to house more birds.

**** chicken math!!!

Just a suggestion to keep in mind when designing your coop/run

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Yeah chicken math sometimes happens. That way if you start big, you have options

 

[vehve]

Good example: When we bought our house we decided not to have chickens since our yard isn't that big and we could just wait until we move to our farm sometime in the future (That's the plan at least). Somehow this chicken coop resembling thing just appeared in our yard this spring...