square feet per chicken

[Anny]

I know there is post on this some where but I couldn't find it...can some one point me in the right direction.

When looking online every site seems to think differently on how much space each chicken needs in the coop.

SO...how much do they need? inside and outside.

If I have long winters should I plan on the inside being bigger?

Does having more then "one floor" or a little loft count as more space or no?

 

[newchickmom]

I believe it's 4 inside and 10 outside. Also you can count the "second story" as more feet.

 

[Anny]

Thank you, that's what I was planning on, but I was unsure since I was seeing so many sites that said less...but I guess more room is always better.

 

[mudshark]

I've seen anything recommended from 1sq ft per chicken inside and 4sq ft per chicken outside upwards. They both sound small to me so I'm planning to add chickens until I get up to what feels right; if all goes to plan when finished my coop will be about 30 sq ft and I'll have about 700 sq ft outside. I reckon they don't need too much space inside as they'll only really sleep in there but want to give them as much space outside as I can; I suspect I'll end up with up to 20 chickens.

 

[fullhouse]

4 and 10, but I think you are too worried about winter. People have chickens in Alaska, SE MI really isn't that cold. The hens are out when it's 20 like we are when it's 65 and sunny.

 

[Anny]

Thank you Andrea, I think I am to worried about winter. The winters are just so long, I feel kind of bad for the girls. But perhaps I am being silly. Thank you.

 

[fullhouse]

They are out right now in the rain. I swear they don't care what the weather is like