Size of coop and run

[xjonesy]

I'm finally building my coop and run -- I'm really excited. I want to have 5-6 chickens -- how many square feet do the coop and run need to be to accomodate that many chickens? I thought I read somewhere that the coop needs to be about 4 square feet per chicken -- does that sound right? Don't want the chickens to get all "cooped up." So for 5-6 chickens, I need at least 20-24 square feet of space, is that right?

Does the same rule of thumb apply to the run -- about 4 square feet of space for them to run around?

Thank you!

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

Rule of thumb on the run is at least 8 to 10 sq ft. 20 to 24sq ft for the coop, for 5 to 6 chickens is right, depending on how much time they will have to spend in the coop. Its usually best to go bigger though, cause you usually wind up wanting more than originally planned.

 

[purecountrychicken]

4 sq ft per chicken is good. I would probly make it bigger,,8ft x 8ft coop would be good. Gives room for a couple more chickens if you want.

 

[Anny]

bigger is always better.