How big should the coop and run be for 6 chickens

[ahale15]

Just got 6 little ladies, how big should our coop and run be? And will they be ok to put out there this winter in Boise?

 

[Galaxy_rules]

Usually chickens need around 4 feet of coop space and 10 for the run, however I have found you can never have too much run/coop space, obviously if you’re on a tight budget you can keep it at the minimum space required, and it should be completely fine.

 

[Galaxy_rules]

What is the temperature out where you are?

 

[DobieLover]

The general rule of thumb PER BIRD for the coop is 4 sq ft for floor space (not including the nest boxes), 1 linear foot of roost space and as close to 1 sq ft of permanently open ventilation as possible. It is best that the coop have enough height to have the ventilation mostly well over their heads and some low (inlet) ventilation to help bring in fresh dry air and drive out the warm, moist air.

This can be accomplished via open soffits between the rafters (secured with 1/2" hardware cloth), a ridge vent, large (1/2" HC secured) gable vents and windows that can be left cracked open that are away from the roosts. Additional windows at roost height that can be left wide open during the warmer months is excellent to keep them cooler on hot summer nights. If you have large roof over hangs, you can top hinge them and not close them until winter.

As for the run, 12-15 sq foot additional space per bird is good. Preferably with a solid pitched roof and secure walls that can be winterized with clear or opaque tarps to block the winter winds but still leave openings at the tops for ventilation.

 

[aart]

And will they be ok to put out there this winter in Boise?

If you build your coop with good ventilation and lots of space for the nastier winter weather, they'll be fine.

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[ahale15]

What is the temperature out where you are?

It gets to about 10-15F at night in the winter and over a 100F in the summer. Any must haves for a coop?

 

[Galaxy_rules]

It gets to about 10-15F at night in the winter and over a 100F in the summer. Any must haves for a coop?

It gets to about 10-15F at night in the winter and over a 100F in the summer. Any must haves for a coop?

I would say maybe don’t put them out in the very cold, I’d sad 36 F plus is warm enough to let them out, although they might not come out of the coop when its snowy. A coop door, bars to perch on, and laying boxes is a good simple coop plan.

 

[ahale15]

I would say maybe don’t put them out in the very cold, I’d sad 36 F plus is warm enough to let them out, although they might not come out of the coop when its snowy. A coop door, bars to perch on, and laying boxes is a good simple coop plan.

So just leave them in the coop while it’s cold with the door shut?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I give mine the choice. My run is roofed and I tarp the windy sides to keep snow out.
We get spells that are negative 16 at night and highs in the single digits. They can go out if they choose or not if that is their choice.

A bigger than bare minimum coop helps a ton in winter as well as making it a walk in so you're not in the wet cold weather while tending them.
For 6 in your climate a 6x8 walk in coop would give both them and you adequate space in my opinion.

 

[BDutch]

For 6 in your climate a 6x8 walk in coop would give both them and you adequate space in my opinion.

And a good ventilation at the highest point under the roof. And windows that close with glass in winter and hardware cloth in the summer for lots pf fresh air.