New to chicks - how big of a coop should I get?

[urbanfarmfan]

I have enjoyed reading through the threads and appreciate all the great advice - am doing my homework and want to be well prepared for happy healthy layers. I live within the city limits of a small town and can only have 6 hens - (thanks to all the hard work from fellow urban farmers in Carrollton, GA, I've found on this site). How big of a coop and run should I have to keep the ladies content, comfortable, and productive? Websites sell backyard hen houses but I don't know if that's really enough space. Thanks -

 

[Judy]

Be careful of prebuilt coops. Many hold fewer chickens than what they say. One answer to the question is, as big as you can manage.

Actually in the warmer part of the country, they need plenty of shade and breeze in the summer. Even in northern Georgia, winter is barely winter to a chicken. By the rule of thumb, you could get by with a 4'x6' coop, maybe a bit smaller, but that is going to be a hot box to them in the summer. You might consider a more open style with the outdoor portion attached. If you need to be able to close them in the coop at night, I would recommend that part of the walls consist of hardware cloth.

For the run, 60 sq ft would be considered the smallest they could live in without harming each other.

Here are some arrangements that work well in this climate, and a post on space well worth reading:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/163417/please-show-me-your-hot-weather-coops/0_20

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700308/coop-and-run-size/0_20#post_9504811

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Recommended coop space is 4 square feet per bird, so for 6 birds you would need at least 24 square feet. More is always better!

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome....so glad you joined BYC

Good luck on your coop decisions and new chicks

 

[urbanfarmfan]

Thanks for the welcome quick/ helpful responses - Looks like I will buy a plan and convert it a bit to suit my space. Can't wait to get started! Am sure I will be posting many more questions as we get geared up to bring the ladies home.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[RWD]

WELCOME ..............I would suggest a 6x10 Total Chicken Habitat ....................

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, urbanfarmfan, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Good luck to you and your poultry operation!