Vertical space?

[Mr Doug]

My now 3-4 week old pullets need a house. I started by keeping them in a converted large dog crate that I covered in hardware cloth. I built a 10*5 run, and moved the crate out there about a week ago. They seem very happy, and they are growing at an alarming rate. My question is... I know they need 4 sq ft per bird, so a 6*8 would be the minimum. However, I think I read somewhere that vertical space counts as well, so a 6*8 coop that is 4 feet high would actually provide 196 feet of room. Am I wrong? I really don't want to sink hundreds of dollars into a coop they will only be sleeping in, and time seems not to be on my side based on how quickly the Leghorns are growing. I don't know if it matters, but my flock is comprised of (6) Leghorn pullets, (3) Blue Productions and (3) Rustic Ramblers.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

No, the height has absolutely nothing to do with the square footage. A 6x8 foot coop that is 4 ft tall would be 48 sq ft.
Also your run space needs to be doubled and the Some more.
Welcome to BYC!

 

[imnukensc]

Your run is less than half the size it needs to be and especially if you intend to keep your chickens confined to it. As far as the coop goes, a 6X8 should be sufficient especially if you have external nest boxes. In your climate you can save a little money and construction aggravation by making it a 3 sided coop.

 

[Mr Doug]

Your run is less than half the size it needs to be and especially if you intend to keep your chickens confined to it. As far as the coop goes, a 6X8 should be sufficient especially if you have external nest boxes. In your climate you can save a little money and construction aggravation by making it a 3 sided coop.

Tell me more about a three sided coop? I've never seen or heard of one. I am aware the run needs to be extended. I built it from PVC pipe to make it easier to do just that. When does that need to be done? As I said, they seem pretty happy at the moment. I was hoping I would have time to build the coop before I had to extend the run.

 

[imnukensc]

Not sure what you want me to tell you about a 3 sided coop----it has 3 solid sides. The 4th, open side would face into the run.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=3+sided+chicken+coop

 

[blackdog043]

Tell me more about a three sided coop?

Something like the picture in post #4 of the thread below might work for you in FL.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-size-coop-for-10-birds.1300674/

 

[Mr Doug]

​

Something like the picture in post #4 of the thread below might work for you in FL.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-size-coop-for-10-birds.1300674/

That was actually quite helpful, thank you. I have decided to convert an unused horse stall into my coop. I will try to remember to post before, during and after pictures.

 

[Acre4Me]

Good luck!

All your breeds are more trim sized breeds and not heavily feathered - this is good for your climate. I would argue somewhat in your favor that height can assist with space, but not to the extent you were indicating. For example, if you had a 10’ tall space, that is roomier than a more typical 4’-6’ tall space, and can allow for more flexibility for roosts, storage, and floor space...but it doesn’t double the space!

Glad you have a horse stall you can convert. Mostly a 2 or 3 sided coop used in warm climates needs to shelter the birds from the prevailing winds and from rain (and blowing rain), and provide shade.

Good luck with your growing chickens!!