| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Horizon Structures
USA
82 Posts |
 Posted - 05/13/2009 : 2:26:34 PM
|
People vary quite a bit on how many square feet per chicken is necessary. How much space do your chickens have? Most people probably have their chickens free range - how much space do they have in the actual coop? Is your coop large enough that they could conceivably be kept in there all the time?
- Nicole -
www.HorizonStructures.com
~__/>
|> |> |
|
|
PetesMom
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2009 : 08:56:35 AM
|
One of the more interesting comments I got from one of our customers was about the number of nest boxes a coop should have. As we're all aware, chickens will share nest boxes so it isn't necessary to have 1 box per bird. A lady shared with me that ALL her chickens shared ONE nest box and that they would stand in line each day waiting for their turn to use it! Reminded me of a women's restroom at a baseball game!!! :)
Jill |
 |
|
|
Brad
6 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2009 : 07:41:05 AM
|
REALLY very interesting
|
|
|
|
therooster
4 Posts |
Posted - 06/09/2009 : 8:26:45 PM
|
| I read in one of the poultry magazines that 3 chickens per nest box is perfect! |
|
|
|
stevegady
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2009 : 08:31:33 AM
|
| I thought it was 3-4 feet per chicken. |
|
|
|
kargo
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2009 : 09:43:06 AM
|
| Everything I've read says chickens require a minimum of 2 square feet per bird. I assume that means in the coop, and the run should be a little more generous with space. |
|
|
|
Reese7866
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2009 : 12:22:58 PM
|
I have a mini coup with 5 nesting boxes and a runout pen that is 10x10 for 13 chickens. They are happy, but I do let them out a couple hours a day 4-5 times a week. If you let them out a couple hours before dark they will return to the coop as long as they are used to the coop first. Give them a couple of weeks before you let them out.
|
|
|
|
pbbrinkley
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2009 : 11:49:06 AM
|
I've read the same thing.
quote:
Originally posted by stevegady
I thought it was 3-4 feet per chicken.
Paula Brinkley |
|
|
|
Chicken Whisperer
USA
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2009 : 3:44:19 PM
|
Hey,
The bottom line is the more room the better. At a minimum most recommend 4 square feet per chicken.
Chicken Whisperer
|
|
|
|
matt15598
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 07:57:37 AM
|
| Other than the obvious fresh air and excersise what advantage is there to giving chickend the ability to go out side? I have two birds in a 6x6 shed with a window and two screened dutch doors. They seem to be doing fine each laying an egg a day. I am new to the chicken thing (more of a horse person) so any help would be appreciated. |
|
|
|
picaboblu
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2009 : 11:16:57 AM
|
| Matt, I haven't actually researched the need to let them roam outside occasionally. . .I do it because they seem to really love scratching for live insects and checking out new things. They're very curious and like to check out the whole yard. Never have a problem with them returning to the coop at sundown. |
|
|
|
matt15598
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2009 : 01:39:34 AM
|
| Its not that I care as much about weather or not they return to the coop or not its that I run a horse boarding stable and I dont want them all over. I am just concerned that keeping them in the coop will be detrimental to the health of the birds. |
|
|
|
Thomluvesanimals
3 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2009 : 06:21:48 AM
|
| Does the age of the chicken have any importance? |
|
|
|
Horizon Structures
USA
82 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2009 : 09:45:17 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by matt15598
Its not that I care as much about weather or not they return to the coop or not its that I run a horse boarding stable and I dont want them all over. I am just concerned that keeping them in the coop will be detrimental to the health of the birds.
You might consider building a run of some sort off the coop, if you have the space. That way they can be outside in the fresh air a bit but not interfere with your boarding business.
- Nicole -
www.HorizonStructures.com
~__/>
|> |> |
|
|
|
Dr. McCrea
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2009 : 2:52:31 PM
|
To respond to your question of space requirements, it is recommended that white leghorn type birds be given a minimum of 1.5 to 2 sq. ft./bird. Any less than that and you will begin to see a reduction in lay, aggression, and stress-related behaviors. For sex-linked Brown egg layer type birds (i.e. brown egg layer hybrids and other similarly sized utility type birds), you need a minimum of 2 to 2.5 sq. ft./bird. Also, overcrowding of these breeds may lead to some of the same problems as I mentioned previously. These are the minimums as have been provided by university research. If you have a larger breed (ie. Jersey Giant, Orpingons) or have a breed with a unique feature (ie. crest, long tail), then give those birds additional space as you see fit to preserve those features.
-Dr. Brigid McCrea
Delaware State University Cooperative Extension |
|
|
|
rstampa
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2009 : 5:37:53 PM
|
My question is. When you all speak of space per chicken does that mean coop space only or all space, coop and run included. Please feel free to elaborate. Thank you all.
I'm always looking to find an answer to something or other. |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
How much space for chickens?
