New coop

[tvigilmarie]

Currently constructing a 3x5 coop for 4 chickens. Now I’m second guessing myself a little. I have read that the rule of thumb is 2-3 sqft per chicken but a family member of ours said this will only fit 2 chickens . Just want to get some input before I start completing siding etc. we do plan on building a run but also plan on free ranging the chickens as soon as we get fencing along our property (mainly due to the free roaming pups)

Open to suggestions. There will be plenty of ventilation and a door on the front as well. This will also be raised off the ground once complete.

 

[cavemanrich]

Your coop looks like it is more like 3 x 4 , because you don't count nesting boxes as coop floor area. If your coop was taller, and nesting boxes were elevated, then you would have closer to the suggested floor area. You still can squeeze 4 chickens into your setup, but would definitely need a run set up before you would get chickens. Otherwise, your chickens will feel crowded in such a small area, and problems may arise. If you have a decent size run, and chickens only go there to roost and lay, you should be OK.
It is a suggested guideline; 4 Square feet per chicken inside coop, and 10 square feet per chicken in run. Overcrowding is one of the leading problem makers in chicken flocks.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[tvigilmarie]

Your coop looks like it is more like 3 x 4 , because you don't count nesting boxes as coop floor area. If your coop was taller, and nesting boxes were elevated, then you would have closer to the suggested floor area. You still can squeeze 4 chickens into your setup, but would definitely need a run set up before you would get chickens. Otherwise, your chickens will feel crowded in such a small area, and problems may arise. If you have a decent size run, and chickens only go there to roost and lay, you should be OK.
It is a suggested guideline; 4 Square feet per chicken inside coop, and 10 square feet per chicken in run. Overcrowding is one of the leading problem makers in chicken flocks.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Hmmm maybe I’ll add some sq footage before adding up walls considering now is the best time to expand.Yes the run will be at a min. a 10x10 area. They will also become free range once our fencing is complete. Thanks for the help I’ve seen so much information out there and it seems that some of it is slightly misleading.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have an IDEA for you to consider. Since you were going to make it elevated, why not make it a walk-in. Believe me when I say walk-in is the way to go. You would get the added floor space, as well as added interior volume.