Orpingtons and House sizes

[Nutterly_uts]

What size/dimensions would be needed for a house and nest box for a flock of 6-8 Orps? A friend is building a coop and I said i'd ask here for him as he wants to make sure they have enough space

 

[MissPrissy]

The minimum requirements are usually 4 sq ft per bird inside plus 10 sq ft per bird outside in a run. This is a minimum. For them to really thrive and to have room for additional birds that might be added to flock it is best to err on the side of way too much space.

8 chickens x 4 sq ft = 32 sq ft

8 chickens x 10 sq ft = 80 sq ft

An 8 x 8 hen house with a 10 x 20 run would be very nice for 8 large fowl orpington hens. It gives you growing room. Personally I would build 12 x 10 and section off a feed room and a nursery to accomodate future requirements.

Remember, the smaller the house and run the more work it takes to keep it clean of poop build up and smells. Also smallish places just aren't healthy.