“Run” Vs. “Coop” in relation to square feet per bird.

[WingItRanch]

This is a very good thread because it does explain that there are no set rules for space. There are many factors:

What types of chickens? Bantam? Large fowl?
How many?
Hens only? Roosters?
Do you need a grow out pen for introducing younger birds?
What's the weather like in your region?
What type of predators?
Do they also get free range time?

Unfortunately, as many of us learn, there's always room for improvement even if you build the "perfect coop & run." For example, I have decided to expand my entire run and turn it into an "open air coop." It is as predator proof as possible and I want to give my chickens an option to roost "outside" under protection for very hot days. I'll still have my original coop structure if they choose.

I was planning on never allowing my chickens to free range but have decided the benefits outweigh the risks and allow a few hours of free time in the afternoon.

I'm also a very analytical person and do not make decisions lightly but sometimes we can't predict future needs and need to adapt.

 

[texsuze]

In my 15th year of chickenhood now, and one thing I've learned is--raising/caring for chickens is a constantly evolving endeavor. My coop and run have undergone several tweaks and modifications, mostly to increase ventilation and space as our summers (the toughest 'season') are increasingly longer and hotter.

One thing I don't see mentioned (perhaps I haven't dug deep enough into the topic) is: why always refer to space requirements inside the coop as "square feet" instead of "cubic feet"? It would seem that cubic feet of space would be a more meaningful assessment, since we and chickens live in a 3-dimensional (maybe more?) world? I have plans to increase my girls' "cubic feet" of coop space by using the last option I have available to add a little module onto their existing coop. Might be more work for the final results, but I'm hoping it will make a difference. YMMV (your mileage may vary)

 

[U_Stormcrow]

In my 15th year of chickenhood now, and one thing I've learned is--raising/caring for chickens is a constantly evolving endeavor. My coop and run have undergone several tweaks and modifications, mostly to increase ventilation and space as our summers (the toughest 'season') are increasingly longer and hotter.

One thing I don't see mentioned (perhaps I haven't dug deep enough into the topic) is: why always refer to space requirements inside the coop as "square feet" instead of "cubic feet"? It would seem that cubic feet of space would be a more meaningful assessment, since we and chickens live in a 3-dimensional (maybe more?) world? I have plans to increase my girls' "cubic feet" of coop space by using the last option I have available to add a little module onto their existing coop. Might be more work for the final results, but I'm hoping it will make a difference. YMMV (your mileage may vary)

Because after adding a certain amount of minimum height, adding more height doesn't make the coop more "spacious" so far as your birds are concerned, unless you are stacking them. ...and stacking them means droppings are falling from on high upon those down low.

I DID build a two story coop at one point. Chickens on top, ducks down below. But I treated it, effectively, as two different coops, both measured by sq ft floor space.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Height however does make well ventilated w/o drafty easier. and Cu Ft is important for how rapidly your interior air changes over per hour, which is important for moving moist, ammonia laden, air out.

 

[Ridgerunner]

why always refer to space requirements inside the coop as "square feet" instead of "cubic feet"? It would seem that cubic feet of space would be a more meaningful assessment

Why do chickens need room? If I crowd them too tightly I have more behavioral issues to deal with, I have to work harder, and I have less flexibility to deal with things as they come up. That's why I want more room, it's easier on me.

Vertical room can help with behavioral issues. A clear example: When I'm integrating juveniles I usually find the juveniles on the roosts in the morning. It's how they can avoid the adults after they wake up and before I open the pop door and let them all out. My roosts are high enough that they are a safe haven. Some people have roosts practically at floor level. No safe haven there. I put my roosts over my brooder and use the top of the brooder as a droppings board. That gives me more room to move around in there without banging into things. And I agree, height helps a lot on ventilation.

I believe in vertical room for chickens but I do not see how it helps you visualize anything. I think square feet is more useful when trying to describe things. Additional height can be useful, but only if it is set up to be used. Cubic feet doesn't tell you anything about that.

 

[OphyliaOrpington]

If I could find Delaware like that, I'd be pleased too. They aren't coming from the local Tractor Supply or Ace, that's for certain!

My local county co-op was supposed to have some Delaware this year. Their orders keep getting cancelled so who knows (2025 is weird). But you might have luck at your local county co-op.

 

[ChookaPete]

What is "Plz"?

It is Internet shorthand for "please". The particular spelling and pronunciation can invoke a feeling of sarcasm and/or haste, as demonstrated by the character Paw Paw in the following video:

 

[AuntiePatriciaUSA]

It is Internet shorthand for "please". The particular spelling and pronunciation can invoke a feeling of sarcasm and/or haste, as demonstrated by the character Paw Paw in the following video:

haha... precious demonstration! Thanks, Pete.

 

[ChookaPete]

haha... precious demonstration! Thanks, Pete.

Hehe thanks!