Why Plan Coop Space?

Chickens require adequate room to stay healthy, avoid bullying, and lay quality eggs. Crowded conditions can lead to stress, feather pecking, and disease spread. When you know how many square feet each bird needs inside the coop and outside in the run, you can build or modify housing appropriately. This calculator simplifies the planning process so even first-time poultry keepers can design a comfortable setup.

The Basic Formula

Most backyard flocks thrive when each hen has at least 4 square feet indoors and 10 square feet in the outdoor run. The MathML equations are straightforward:

where $n$ is the number of chickens, $\mathrm{s\_c}$ is coop space per bird, and $\mathrm{s\_r}$ is run space per bird. Adjust these numbers for large breeds or when chickens spend long periods confined indoors.

Ventilation and Roosting

Space planning doesn’t stop with floor area. Good airflow prevents ammonia buildup, and roosts should provide about eight inches per bird. Nest boxes usually suffice at one box for every three hens. Thinking through these elements keeps your flock comfortable and productive year-round.

Example Planning Scenario

Suppose you want to keep six hens. Using the default recommendations, you’d aim for a coop about $64$=24 square feet and a run roughly $610$=60 square feet. By entering your own values, you can tweak space for bantam breeds or a large, free-range run.

Building a Healthy Environment

Providing enough space reduces stress and keeps cleaning manageable. Regularly remove droppings, refresh bedding, and inspect for moisture or drafts. Well-planned housing not only protects your flock from predators and weather, but also makes chicken keeping a rewarding hobby with fresh eggs as the payoff.