- Oct 27, 2011
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Newbie here, I plan on getting just a few laying hens in the spring. I have been reading the posts (and there are a lot of them) about size of coop/ run per chicken and it looks like 14 square feet per chicken is the consensus. My questions is "Do I have to have a run?". I will be using a horse stall that is 10' x 12' with a high roof, good air circulation with two vents and another stall next to it. If it matters I am in upper MI where it gets pretty cold and winter lasts a while.
If I only have 4 hens I figure I have 30 square foot per hen just in the 10' x 12' coop without a run. I am assuming you are going to tell me they have to have a run and if so I will build one or let them free range but if I do not have to build one then I will not. Just wondering.
Also, if this is possible you might tell me which breeds might prosper in this set up as I do not want to be cruel to a breed that really "needs" or "wants" to run a lot. Thanks in advance.
If I only have 4 hens I figure I have 30 square foot per hen just in the 10' x 12' coop without a run. I am assuming you are going to tell me they have to have a run and if so I will build one or let them free range but if I do not have to build one then I will not. Just wondering.
Also, if this is possible you might tell me which breeds might prosper in this set up as I do not want to be cruel to a breed that really "needs" or "wants" to run a lot. Thanks in advance.