Officialy confused with coop size!!

[yellowchicks]

I researched a lot for sizing our coop, there were so many different ratios and opinions. In the end, we went with 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird outside the coop (including the area that can be well-used under the coop if there is adequate height. And yes, plan the dimension carefully to maximize the available lumber sizes. After observing our 4 hens for 3+ months, I would say this particular "rule of thumb" works great. Any smaller space would have been too crowded for the chicken activities. The only thing I would change if we were to do our coop over is the height. We should have made it at least 6 ft high in the lowest part. Bending our heads to clean the run or to feed the chickens was a pain.

 

[LanceTN]

I researched a lot for sizing our coop, there were so many different ratios and opinions. In the end, we went with 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird outside the coop (including the area that can be well-used under the coop if there is adequate height. And yes, plan the dimension carefully to maximize the available lumber sizes. After observing our 4 hens for 3+ months, I would say this particular "rule of thumb" works great. Any smaller space would have been too crowded for the chicken activities. The only thing I would change if we were to do our coop over is the height. We should have made it at least 6 ft high in the lowest part. Bending our heads to clean the run or to feed the chickens was a pain.

Don't forget, one foot of roost per adult bird.

 

[Dan K]

I wouldnt consider a 5 foot by 11 foot coop to be overly huge. Considering they need their personal space, nests and roosting spots. 20 hens is quite a few and I would actually recommend that 5 x 11to be just right.

 

[farmeristas]

I wouldnt consider a 5 foot by 11 foot coop to be overly huge. Considering they need their personal space, nests and roosting spots. 20 hens is quite a few and I would actually recommend that 5 x 11to be just right.

Well we oficially deside to go for coop hoops for all the animals!! Calculating the cost was 4000 for everything and if we go coops is about 1000!!!! We found a nice waterproof white tarp so we can paint it seems to be a good idea since i will be abke to actually double the size, the hoop coop for chicken will go from the starting plan 5*11 to 10*20 cant wait for februar

 

[Tracydr]

The more room, the less stress on days they want to stay inside!  I found that for economically friendly large coops, hoop coops are the way to go.

He's in Greece. I can't imagine the chickens will ever want to stay inside. I would use the 3 foot square footage for coop plus run since they are highly unlikely to spend any time indoors, except to sleep and lay eggs. I'd also put some roosts in the runs.
With mild weather, why not just a large, predator proof pen with some nest boxes and shelter from rain? Far better ventilation that way.

 

[Tamara119]

He's in Greece. I can't imagine the chickens will ever want to stay inside. I would use the 3 foot square footage for coop plus run since they are highly unlikely to spend any time indoors, except to sleep and lay eggs. I'd also put some roosts in the runs.
With mild weather, why not just a large, predator proof pen with some nest boxes and shelter from rain? Far better ventilation that way.

Exactly!
I live where the weather isn't as warm as Greece, and in winter (which only lasts about 2 months) we get temps at night as low as 23°F(-5°C), lowest minimum temp is 14°F(-10°C). But everyday in the winter, regardless of the nighttime temp, the daytime temp is never below 40°F(+5°C). That said, our coops are only for sleeping and laying; the chickens are outside all day everyday. Their run is huge and fenced. They do have shelter from wind and rain, as well as trees for shade. On one of my coops I have roosts outside, basically like a three-sided addition with a roof. Even in the winter these outdoors roost are more popular than the indoor ones. (Not visible in the picture).


Every coop is different, and by no means am I saying my coop is the best, I just wanted to agree with Tracydr that depending on the climate, the chickens may not need any coop space other than for sleeping and laying. I suspect that in Greece the hens will still want quiet indoor nest boxes, but as for sleeping, they may not even want to be inside for that.

 

[farmeristas]

Well as i said i will not cut any money if its not 1000% ok for my animals!! That said i have to say that even though there is not unbearable cold here we have some windy days and some days might get strong wind, so i gues they still need a place to relax at night.
Now i am in a big dilema though cheap tarp is really cheap BUT am thinking of buying a better quality ( something like TIRS using) or buy the normal one and just change it anually
the cheap but waterproof tarp costs about 0,5-0,7 euros per Square METER and i will even use a nylon sheet under it just to be sure,
i still havent find a price for the xpensive one but am looking.

BTW guys am thinking about floor do you thing its a good idea to leave just ground?

 

[Dan K]

Sounds like a great plan! Happy building!

 

[LanceTN]

If you build the coop without a floor you have to figure out how to protect the chickens from burrowing predators.

That's why my coop is held up off the ground on posts.

 

[farmeristas]

If you build the coop without a floor you have to figure out how to protect the chickens from burrowing predators.

That's why my coop is held up off the ground on posts.

I was thinking to go on posts as well with hardware cloth for flooring its quite popular in my region actually so you raise it about 1meter and then under you can clean it easily plus the coop never gets amonia smell!!!