Tool
How Many Chickens per Square Foot? Coop Space Calculator
Calculate nowQuick answer
NC State Extension recommends 2.5 to 3.5 square feet per bird inside the weather-tight coop, plus 4 to 5 square feet per bird in a fenced outdoor area. Cooperative Extension guidance is a bit more generous: at least 3 to 4 square feet per hen indoors and 10 square feet per hen outdoors. Plan 1 nest box for every 4 or 5 hens and 9 to 10 inches of perch per bird.
Guide · $12The Quail Egg Production GuideSpace guidelines
| Space | NC State Extension | Cooperative Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Inside the coop | 2.5 to 3.5 sq ft per bird | at least 3 to 4 sq ft per hen |
| Outdoor run | 4 to 5 sq ft per bird | 10 sq ft per hen |
Sources: Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina and Space allowances for small and backyard poultry flocks.
Floor space is not the only number
NC State also sizes the furniture: 1 nest box for every 4 or 5 hens and 9 to 10 inches of perch per bird. The calculator uses 4 hens per box and 10 inches of perch, and works from the top of the density range so the nests are never short. Planning the building itself? See DIY chicken coop and the best chicken coop for 6 chickens.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a chicken need in the coop?
NC State Extension says 2.5 to 3.5 square feet per bird inside the coop; Cooperative Extension recommends at least 3 to 4 square feet per hen. Heavier breeds need the upper end.
Does the run count toward coop space?
No. They are two separate allowances that add up on your lot. NC State adds 4 to 5 square feet per bird outdoors; Cooperative Extension recommends 10 square feet per hen when practical.
How many nest boxes do I need?
About one nest box for every four or five hens, according to NC State Extension. The calculator rounds toward four hens per box so there is no line at the nest.
Sources
- Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina (AG-729): about 1/3 lb of feed per hen per day while laying, about 5 lb of feed per dozen eggs, up to 15 dozen eggs in the first laying year, 2.5–3.5 sq ft per bird in the coop plus 4–5 sq ft outdoors, 1 nest per 4–5 hens, 9–10 in of perch per bird↗
- Space allowances in housing for small and backyard poultry flocks: at least 3–4 sq ft per hen indoors and 10 sq ft per hen outdoors↗
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