Newbie Question - Coop Size

[Moonstream27]

Hi everyone! I’m new to chickens and this forum, I’m in big need of your expertise! I have to submit an application to my zoning board including a picture of the coop!

I’ve read that 4 sq ft/ bird is a good estimate. I’m not sure which birds I will want over time so I’m going on the bigger end of the range. The max allowed is 6 birds. This SHOULD be simple math BUT...is the run included in the 4 sqft? Or is that supposed to be just the enclosed actual ‘house’ part of the coop?

...clearly this application is going well.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Hi everyone! I’m new to chickens and this forum, I’m in big need of your expertise! I have to submit an application to my zoning board including a picture of the coop!

I’ve read that 4 sq ft/ bird is a good estimate. I’m not sure which birds I will want over time so I’m going on the bigger end of the range. The max allowed is 6 birds. This SHOULD be simple math BUT...is the run included in the 4 sqft? Or is that supposed to be just the enclosed actual ‘house’ part of the coop?

...clearly this application is going well.

The run is not included in that rule. Good luck with the board!

 

[DobieLover]

Welcome to BYC!
The coop is 4 sq feet per bird so your coop would be 4x6.
The run should be a MINIMUM of 10x6. If you build it with a solid roof, use 1/2" hardware cloth to enclose it and install a predator apron around the perimeter, you will be able to leave the pop door open all the time. This is a HUGE asset when raising chickens. It gives them so much more space and you can keep the food and water in the run.
Think of a small version of this:

 

[rosemarythyme]

The recommended minimums are (per bird) 4 sq ft in coop, 10 sq ft in run. You may have restrictions regarding overall sq footage, height, etc. For a smaller build you want to try to maximize space, so consider having an elevated coop that lets you use the space underneath as run space as well. Here's a couple of examples:

- https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-chick-inn.73603/
- https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/loveland-wichita-knockoff.63238/

 

[aart]

The max allowed is 6 birds.

Are there any structure sizes and setbacks stated in the 'rules'?
Better get it in writing.
Any other chicken keepers in your jurisdiction that you can confer with?

The bigger the better....but may depend on your climate.

So....Welcome to BYC! @Moonstream27
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Welcome to BYC. The best place for help with any problem.