recommended size of coop

[jbreeden00]

I have six chicks right now, and will probably get 4 more at some later date. I know I want 3 sq ft per chicken, don't want the hens crowded. How tall do you guys recommend making the coop? My run will be a full 8 ft high, and the coop will be in the run. so that it'll all covered, and I want the coop to be raised up so they can go underneath it. Would the coop being four ft tall be reasonable?

 

[Judy]

On BYC, the "rule of thumb" figure usually given is 4 sq ft per bird in the coop and 10 in the run. But do understand that that is an estimate of the least amount of space needed to prevent pecking injury and cannibalism. Many if not most of our members will tell you they built too small to start, and end up using their small cop for broodies, sick birds, etc.

A lot depends on where you live. Where I am, they will tolerate an open ended coop fine; a small coop would just be too warm for a lot of the year. If you are in snow country, it is difficult to ventilate a shorter coop like that without causing drafts. Here are a few links that I hope you will find useful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/445004/woods-style-house-in-the-winter/0_20

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

 

[jbreeden00]

thank you. There are so many options, I keep changing my mind on the type of coop I want.