Optimum coop size?

[MonkeyChicken]

Thinking about getting back into a small flock, 4-6 birds. What's the optimum size for a coop? It was a dozen years ago since I had birds. The woman I was with one Sunday morning says "I want to get chickens" so that night we had I think 10-12 chicks in the basement for a month. Used a 10ft x 5ft dog kennel for the run and I had built a coop I found online (Purina? Not sure). Probably 3.5 ft square. It was fine for those birds. I only need room for up to 6. Is there a formula, X square feet of coop per bird? 2 birds per laying box? Thanks

 

[nuthatched]

At the least:
4 sq feet per bird in the coop.
1 box per 3-4 birds.
1 ft linear roost per bird.
1 sq foot if permanent over head ventilation per bird.
8 square feet per bird in the run.

 

[Noraaaaa]

At the least:
4 sq feet per bird in the coop.
1 box per 3-4 birds.
1 ft linear roost per bird.
1 sq foot if permanent over head ventilation per bird.
8 square feet per bird in the run.

Exactly what I would say! Good information!

 

[StinkyAcres]

If you are in an area that gets cold, snowy winters I strongly encourage you to go bigger than the recommended minimums above (AND have a walk-in coop).

 

[StinkyAcres]

8 square feet per bird in the run.

To me 8 square feet per bird for the run is a little small. If you plan on keeping the chickens confined to their run most of the time, I'd go at least 10 square feet per bird in the run.

 

[nuthatched]

To me 8 square feet per bird for the run is a little small. If you plan on keeping the chickens confined to their run most of the time, I'd go at least 10 square feet per bird in the run.

I absolutely agree, it's a bit tight. I did say at least. hopefully, more area if possible

 

[GracePoultry]

Also chickens can be very addicting, so adding enough room for another 6 chickens might be a good idea.

 

[rosemarythyme]

To me 8 square feet per bird for the run is a little small. If you plan on keeping the chickens confined to their run most of the time, I'd go at least 10 square feet per bird in the run.

I'd push it to 15 sq ft per bird, or with a small flock, nothing smaller than 100 sq ft. This is to allow for the addition of clutter, multiple feeders, plus room for a human or two to maneuver in.

 

[Sally PB]

"Gee, I wish I'd made my coop/run smaller," said no back yard chicken keeper, ever.

Make it as big as you reasonably can. You and your chickens will be glad for the space.

Space gives you options. More chickens? An integration pen? A separation pen for whatever reason? Room in a coop if there is a prolonged bitterly cold spell and the chickens need to stay inside for a few days and not go feather picking stir crazy?

I've been grateful for enough space for all those reasons.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

While you're getting set up, may I also suggest investing jn a dog crate for those times you need to isolate a sick or injured bird, a broody hen, or a bully bird. With a dog crate you can isolate a bird but leave it in the coop or run so it doesn't lose its status in the pecking order or become a stranger and have to be re-integrated into the flock - as might be the case if you take it into the house for treatment and rehab.