Space

[Speedycat711]

So I plan on getting 3 chickens, but would like to get 6 later on if possible. Would it be ok if my chickens have double the space they need (for now) as in 20 sq feet of run space per chicken and 8 sq feet of coop space per chicken?

 

[Echelontheory101]

So I plan on getting 3 chickens, but would like to get 6 later on if possible. Would it be ok if my chickens have double the space they need (for now) as in 20 sq feet of run space per chicken and 8 sq feet of coop space per chicken?

There's never a thing as too much space for chickens! The bigger the better the only thing you have to worry about with bigger spaces is just keeping it draft free. I'm aure the birds will love the extra roominess!

 

[Speedycat711]

Thanks!

 

[Shadrach]

So I plan on getting 3 chickens, but would like to get 6 later on if possible. Would it be ok if my chickens have double the space they need (for now) as in 20 sq feet of run space per chicken and 8 sq feet of coop space per chicken?

There is some relationship between climate and required coop space. If the chickens are going to be spending days/weeks/months confined to a coop then you're going to need more than eight square foot per bird. On the other hand if they are out in a run every day then eight square feet is enough. Bear in mind if you have many days/nights when it freezes a smaller coop which the chickens can keep a couple of degrees more than the ambient temperature with their body heat, roughly 12 watts per bird is worth considering. If chicken math bites and you find that six turns into ten then another coop may be an answer.
Twenty square feet per bird in a run, especially if they are going to be confined to the run on a permanent basis isn't really enough space in my opinion.
To give an idea of space, this is a 6m x 6m run, (387 square feet) which currently has three chickens. They're still delighted when I let them onto an acre of field.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you're in a near arctic environment the coop should probably be big enough as planned.

I'd go bigger on the run personally. Integration favors space and 60 sq ft is tight for that, even for a small flock, due to the need for clutter and extra feeders that eat up space. If you have the room for it I would go no smaller than 100 sq ft (basically 10x10) on a run no matter how small the flock is.

 

[Speedycat711]

Ok I’ll keep that in mind!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

Would it be ok if my chickens have double the space they need

Chickens evolved in nature with no limits as to coop or run space. They did fine well before humans domesticated them and started limiting their space. When we domesticated them we took over predator protection, feeding and watering them, and keeping them out of where we did not want them to go so we invented coops and runs. Limiting their space in coops and runs is due to our needs, not theirs. As long as we can provide for their basic needs they can do great in a lot of room.

Within the limits of providing for their needs there is no such thing as too much space, but the tighter I contain mine the more behavioral problems I have to deal with, the harder I have to work, and the less flexibility I have to deal with issues. You'll see a lot of people on here give numbers for how much space they need. There is nothing magic about any of those numbers. Mostly they are people's opinions. If you want my opinions you can follow the link in my signature.

My suggestion is to determine how many you will ultimately want and provide ample space for that number. Good luck and once again,

 

[Speedycat711]

That makes sense, thanks for the advise!