question on sqft per bird...

[chickie_momma]

the coop we are building is around 5ftx5ft....how many birds can i have inside it- our run isnt built yet but it will be big at aaround 15ftx15ft...
thanks!

 

[silkiechicken]

Guidelines say 4 sq feet each inside, and 10 sq feet outside. But if you have light birds like leghorns which are 3-4 lbs or heavy birds like cochins that can be 6-12lbs, it will make a difference. Many give twice that just to be safe, as picking on each other and bad habits are easier to prevent than to stop once they start.

 

[ChickaD]

It also depends on where you live......if you live where winters are harsh and your chickens may be cooped up more (ours REFUSE to go outside, even in their run, when everything's snowy), it makes a difference.