Square Footage Question

[AmyJane725]

Do bantams require 4 sqft in the coop and 10 sqft in the run like LF do?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

These are just good general guidelines to help keep antics down especially during times of bad weather and such when they might be stuck inside. It also helps to keep maintenance low. So it partly depends on the keeper. There is no right answer for everyone. My bantams take up less space with their bodies but their personalities aren't any smaller.

 

[AmyJane725]

These are just good general guidelines to help keep antics down especially during times of bad weather and such when they might be stuck inside. It also helps to keep maintenance low. So it partly depends on the keeper. There is no right answer for everyone. My bantams take up less space with their bodies but their personalities aren't any smaller.

I've heard of bantams being the head of the flock, so no question there.
I just don't want them to be overcrowded or anything. Is it the personality that counts for space requirements more than anything? (Ignoring the poop buildup)?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is it the personality that counts for space requirements more than anything?

No, that's just one of the considerations though definitely a big one. Bigger is ALWAYS better.. in my experience. It helps in case ya get a broody.

Use your best judgement. Most flocks with free range access spend their time outside in fair weather. They often hang out in the coop when waiting on their turn in the lay box. At night they will most often sleep side by side. But you may have occasion where one needs to avoid a bully. Another huge factor is weather. Overcrowding when it's hot could be deadly.

The 4 foot indoor and 10 foot outside is a good starting point. I had 70 birds of varying age and size in my 144 sq ft coop, with droppings boards and no issues. 72 linear ft of roost space.

Some folks need to account for their lay box or feeders taking up indoor space as well.

Since I breed my stock, I select heavily for attitude. So my flock antics are kept fairly well in check. I won't have a bully, unless it's over for dinner.

Being in western Wa... you should get a fair bit of rain. A covered run helps a lot.

 

[AmyJane725]

No, that's just one of the considerations though definitely a big one. Bigger is ALWAYS better.. in my experience. It helps in case ya get a broody.

Use your best judgement. Most flocks with free range access spend their time outside in fair weather. They often hang out in the coop when waiting on their turn in the lay box. At night they will most often sleep side by side. But you may have occasion where one needs to avoid a bully. Another huge factor is weather. Overcrowding when it's hot could be deadly.

The 4 foot indoor and 10 foot outside is a good starting point. I had 70 birds of varying age and size in my 144 sq ft coop, with droppings boards and no issues. 72 linear ft of roost space.

Some folks need to account for their lay box or feeders taking up indoor space as well.

Since I breed my stock, I select heavily for attitude. So my flock antics are kept fairly well in check. I won't have a bully, unless it's over for dinner.

Being in western Wa... you should get a fair bit of rain. A covered run helps a lot.

My coop is 56 sqft. Nest boxes hang out the side and don't take up any floor space. I plan to have one feeder and one waterer inside, so -2 sqft there. I may need to add another roost. We'll see.

My run is 320 sqft. Coop is raised so space underneath is accessible, and the half that doens't have the coop is covered, so should have plenty of space to be outside, even when weather is bad.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've heard of bantams being the head of the flock, so no question there.
I just don't want them to be overcrowded or anything. Is it the personality that counts for space requirements more than anything? (Ignoring the poop buildup)?

AmyJane, you might follow the link in my signature to see why I think magic numbers for chicken space don't apply for everyone. There is a whole lot more to it than personality or poop build-up, though those are important. Some of this stuff will not apply to you but some will.

In general, the more I crowd them the more behavioral issues I have to deal with, the harder I have to work (poop, for example), and the less flexibility I have to deal with issues. I value that flexibility the most.

 

[Ebony Rose]

...I just don't want them to be overcrowded or anything. Is it the personality that counts for space requirements more than anything? (Ignoring the poop buildup)?

More than enough space NEVER hurts as chicken math has a way of sneaking in on folks Crowded conditions will ultimately lead to bullying, fighting, disease and other pleasantries.