Why do I need 4 square feet per chicken in my coop?

[Cryss]

Admins, if this is in the wrong forum section please move appropriately.

 

[3KillerBs]

Because you want to raise happy, healthy chickens without having to engage in commercial-style intensive management (including debeaking), to keep it clean and well-ventilated and to ward off the behavioral problems of overcrowding.

A huge run *can* compensate for an undersized coop to some extent -- until circumstances change and it doesn't.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

Because you want to raise happy, healthy chickens without having to engage in commercial-style intensive management (including debeaking), to keep it clean and well-ventilated and to ward off the behavioral problems of overcrowding.

A huge run *can* compensate for an undersized coop to some extent -- until circumstances change and it doesn't.

YES! Without enough room, the chickens can easily be stressed or sick. Pecking will be a large problem.

 

[mamajos]

Thank you for the good video! Sorry to see your pen roof collapse. And to have fox prowling around besides!!! I hope you get it all resolved soon. It’s a good video to show space needed fir chickens!

 

[0die]

sit in a closet for a few minutes and you will understand. all animals need space to be healthy and happy. if you don't have the space to build a proper coop then you should reevaluate keeping chickens. those guidelines are bare minimum and in my opinion very inadequate. it might work for a factory farm but not here.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

sit in a closet for a few minutes and you will understand. all animals need space to be healthy and happy. if you don't have the space to build a proper coop then you should reevaluate keeping chickens. those guidelines are bare minimum and in my opinion very inadequate. it might work for a factory farm but not here.

the closet part!!!

 

[0die]

ok so I can't spell...

 

[Windrider]

Guys, the OP was asking a retorical question! She answered it in the video.

Watch the video and you'll see that with a collapsed run and chickens locked inside their coop, they are somewhat crowded at even far less than the recommended 4 sq. ft. per chicken.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

ok so I can't spell...

no it's that sitting in a closet.. that just funny to me!

 

[Mellowmalt]

I see people started answering before checking out the video

Can I ask how much space the smallest chickens like a sebright would need? Does anyone know? Half? 2 sq ft? That's all I'm planning to give mine. Since genereally a run will not be out of commission unless the roof collapses I was thinking 2 sq ft per bird in the coop but might as well ask.