How many square feet per chicken?

[jaymeelynn]

Okay I know this is like the most popular question ever asked but I just need a space to talk this out

Strictly talking about the coop (the hen house), I've been reading 3-4 square feet per chicken. But then I read other places that that's way too small.
In my particular case, they will have a nice-sized, secure, covered run, as well as extra outdoor space covered by bird netting. Whatever size I end up building my coop, the nesting boxes will go on the outside I think, so that won't take up any space.

So in your opinion/experience, how many square feet per chicken in the coop (hen house)?

Thank you!

 

[Shadrach]

Okay I know this is like the most popular question ever asked but I just need a space to talk this out

Strictly talking about the coop (the hen house), I've been reading 3-4 square feet per chicken. But then I read other places that that's way too small.
In my particular case, they will have a nice-sized, secure, covered run, as well as extra outdoor space covered by bird netting. Whatever size I end up building my coop, the nesting boxes will go on the outside I think, so that won't take up any space.

So in your opinion/experience, how many square feet per chicken in the coop (hen house)?

Thank you!

Start by reading this.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-much-room-do-chickens-need.66180/

Having read the above it should be apparent there is no right answer. As much space as you can give them is a good start.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have over-sized facilities and love every square inch of them.

My one coop that is tightly designed to meet the suggested minimums is my least useful, least flexible coop. It houses 4 hens. Or broods a dozen chicks for 2 weeks before they get too cramped.

IMO, it's important to remember that usual guidelines are suggested MINIMUMS. If you can go big, go big. That gives you so much more flexibility and so many more options.

 

[aart]

Go bigger than you think you need, allows for adjustments down the road.
Space for adding birds, even a separate space for brooding chicks, and storing supplies.
My run is not winter proofed, so extra coop space is essential for staving off cabin fever.

 

[Brooks_]

I agree with the above posts. Your climate will play a big part in how big it has to be. My coop is smaller than recommended but has a covered area in the just outside the coop. My coop and run flow as one unit because my climate allows for it. The only time they are all in the coop is at night. My roost space has now become overcrowded (no behavioral issues), but that will be another thread in the next few days.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I have 6 sq ft a chicken in the coop and 15sq ft in the run. This is not including the dust bathing area under the coop.