These guidelines are based on the space needs for a standard-size chicken. How big of a chicken coop for 20 chickens: 80 sq.How big of a chicken coop for 10 chickens: 40 sq.How big of a chicken coop for 6 chickens: 24 sq.However, to make the math a little easier, we have figured out some minimum space requirements for a few general flock sizes: You can then figure out how big of a chicken coop you need based on what breeds you plan to raise and how many chickens you want to have in your flock. General Coop Size Guidelines Based on Flock Size Nesting Boxes (heavy chicken breeds) : 14” x 14” x 20”, 1 nesting box per 4 to 5 hens.Nesting Boxes (standard chicken breeds) : 12” x 12” x 18”, 1 nesting box per 4 to 5 hens.Roosts (heavy chicken breeds) : 12” per chicken, no more than 1-2 feet high.Roosts (standard chickens breeds): 8” per chicken.Here are some general guidelines for roost and nesting box space requirements: Consider whether feeders, waterers, or nesting boxes will take up any floor space in the chicken coop and factor that into your final coop size as well. Roosting & Nesting Space in the CoopĪside from floor space in the chicken coop, you will also want to plan out enough roosting space and enough nesting boxes in the chicken coop for your flock. They will also use the nesting boxes throughout the day, and you may find some of your gals like to frequent the coop for a little alone time. Your girls will spend their nights in the coop. A covered enclosure is basically like an extension of the chicken coop. This can be extremely helpful if your coop space is at a minimum and you can’t free-range your flock. Protection from the ElementsĬovering the enclosure will not only protect your flock from predators and weather elements, but it also allows the enclosure to be used year-round and every day by your flock. Adding enrichment to the enclosure can help keep your flock stimulated and entertained in the enclosure space that they are provided. EnrichmentĮnrichment items such as perches, ramps, tunnels, logs, stumps, and ladders will all take up space, but they can also increase the enclosure’s vertical space as well. When figuring out how much enclosure space you need for your flock, you will want to consider factors such as covering the enclosure and including enrichment in the enclosure. Having a spacious enclosure that is bigger than the bare minimum that you need is important for all the same reasons as having a big enough coop. You may find that your flock spends more time in their enclosure than they do in the actual chicken coop. Chicken Run SizeĪllowing plenty of space in the chicken coop for each chicken is important, however, the enclosure space is also just as important! Chickens will spend the majority of their time outside when given the chance, so providing your flock with plenty of outdoor enclosure space is almost more important than plenty of coop space. There is some good news though! Chickens can still be happy and content when you follow some general guidelines for allowing a certain amount of space per bird in your coop plan. How Big of a Chicken Coop Do I Need in Relation to My Flock Size?Ĭhickens will thrive when they are given as much space as possible! However, building a chicken coop mansion is not always possible. From there, you can more easily hone in on the best size for your flock using this article. The best approach is often to make a list of your flock size, breeds, notes on your climate, city or county ordinances, and available space to build. From size to lifestyle, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. There are various factors to take into account when determining the size of your coop. Plenty of space can also prevent parasites from spreading throughout your flock.Ī spacious coop will be easier to keep clean and will minimize droppings build-up which can lead to a stinky, unhealthy coop environment. Having enough space in the chicken coop can help prevent bad bacteria and harmful microorganisms from building up and causing disease. Overcrowding in the chicken coop can lead to bad behaviors such as bullying, feather pulling, egg eating (improper number of nesting boxes), and sleeping in the nesting boxes (not enough roosting space). Here is how coop size affects the overall wellbeing of your flock:Ĭhickens that are not overcrowded in their coop will be less stressed and will be able to establish a more stable pecking order, be more productive, and be happier. Providing a healthy amount of space for each of your flock members improves their overall quality of life.
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