What size coop for 8-10 hens?

[funonahonda]

I'm wanting to build a medium to small coop, need to know what size it should be maybe like a 4x8 with the nestboxes on the outside, What do you think? Thanks

 

[BarredBuff]

The rule of thumb is 4 sq feet per hen (that doesnt have to be exact, just a good amount of room inside the house, I use 3 sq feet per hen) and you want 8-10 hens, so a 4 by 8 coop will due. I would only include 3 nests because I had 8 boxes and they used two boxes thats when I had 19 hens. Then you will have more room for roosts and a place to put feeders and wateres.

 

[teach1rusl]

In a coop that size, I would not put more than 8 hens, and 6 would be better. I'm sure you guys get decent snows, and when that happens, the chickens will be confined to the coop most likely. If you're considering 10 chickens, then I would build something like a 6 x 8 coop. I have five hens in a 6 x 8, and they get along pretty well, but they became pretty stir crazy after being indoors so much this past winter. More room is always better when it comes to chickens.

 

[wildorchid053]

if your in snow territory go bigger.. they will most likely be cooped up and they need more room so you don't get fights