How much space do bantams need!??

[Mantisquailman]

So
I'm debating on how much space bantam need.
I'm building a new bantam coop for anywhere in between 6 to 10 bantams.
It will be a coop with no run( if it all goes according to plan)

 

[GodLovesU]

Are you going to let them free range?

 

[Mantisquailman]

Absolutely!

 

[GodLovesU]

The recommended coop space per bantam is 1-2 sq feet.So anywhere from 6 sq feet to 20 sq feet depending on how many birds and your preference.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Personally I would make my coop to the full sized chicken standards. My bantams are much more active, feisty, energetic and like taller spaces. Much more so than my larger breeds. I couldn’t imagine them being happy at all if they only had 1-2 sq ft per bird. Another thing to keep in mind is the more space the less flock problems you tend to have.

 

[LaFleche]

Personally I would make my coop to the full sized chicken standards. My bantams are much more active, feisty, energetic

⬆This exactly!
Bigger is always better and will help to prevent behavioural issues.

 

[Ridgerunner]

So
I'm debating on how much space bantam need.
I'm building a new bantam coop for anywhere in between 6 to 10 bantams.
It will be a coop with no run( if it all goes according to plan)

You are dealing with living animals, each with its own personality. We manage them differently and have different climates. General guidelines are just that, general. For many people they work great, for some they do not give enough room.

What is the purpose of the coop? Is it for them to lay eggs? A predator safe area to sleep? How much daylight time will they be stuck in there, either waiting for you to open the pop door or stuck in there because of snow or other weather? Will you use it for integration or for a broody hen to raise chicks? You mention 6 to 10. To me that is a minimum of 10 unless you are going to commit to fewer. Do you want a walk-in coop or will you be happy with a reach-in coop?

Most common building materials come in 4' or 8' sections. The most effective way to build a coop with minimal cutting and waste is to use those dimensions. A 6' dimension is not horrible, you can usually use the cut-offs to build nests or something else. If it is a walk-in I'd want that extra width for my comfort.

A 5' x 7' coop might work but a 6' x 8' will give you extra room, be easier to build, and probably not as much cut-off and waste if you are careful with your design. A 4' x 8' might work for a reach-in but if they are going to be stuck in there for days on end during your winter that might get really tight. If a predator starts picking them off one at a time you might want to lock them up until you can deal with that predator.

I find that the tighter I pack them the harder I have to work, the more behavioral problems I have, and the less flexibility I have to deal with issues. I also know that building bigger can be more expensive. I try to find a good balance.

Good luck!

 

[Mantisquailman]

It will be a reach in coop and the purpose is having nice lap\laying and I will pr

You are dealing with living animals, each with its own personality. We manage them differently and have different climates. General guidelines are just that, general. For many people they work great, for some they do not give enough room.

What is the purpose of the coop? Is it for them to lay eggs? A predator safe area to sleep? How much daylight time will they be stuck in there, either waiting for you to open the pop door or stuck in there because of snow or other weather? Will you use it for integration or for a broody hen to raise chicks? You mention 6 to 10. To me that is a minimum of 10 unless you are going to commit to fewer. Do you want a walk-in coop or will you be happy with a reach-in coop?

Most common building materials come in 4' or 8' sections. The most effective way to build a coop with minimal cutting and waste is to use those dimensions. A 6' dimension is not horrible, you can usually use the cut-offs to build nests or something else. If it is a walk-in I'd want that extra width for my comfort.

A 5' x 7' coop might work but a 6' x 8' will give you extra room, be easier to build, and probably not as much cut-off and waste if you are careful with your design. A 4' x 8' might work for a reach-in but if they are going to be stuck in there for days on end during your winter that might get really tight. If a predator starts picking them off one at a time you might want to lock them up until you can deal with that predator.

I find that the tighter I pack them the harder I have to work, the more behavioral problems I have, and the less flexibility I have to deal with issues. I also know that building bigger can be more expensive. I try to find a good balance.

Good luck!

It will be a reach in coop and I will have a max of 8 birds one rooster and 7 hens.
The purpose is laying\lap birds.

 

[Mantisquailman]

The recommended coop space per bantam is 1-2 sq feet.So anywhere from 6 sq feet to 20 sq feet depending on how many birds and your preference.

I will probably 3 sq feet per bird thanks!

 

[StinkyAcres]

I recommend building a run anyway in case you need to confine them. Bantams are easy meals for aerial predators.