Chicken Coop Size Calculator

Standard-sized chickens need a minimum of 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop. Bantam (miniature) breeds can manage with 2-3 square feet. Larger breeds like Jersey Giants or Brahmas need 5-6 square feet. These are minimums — more space always leads to happier, healthier chickens with fewer behavioral issues like feather pecking.

Yes, chickens need both. The indoor coop provides shelter from predators, weather, and a place to roost and lay eggs. The outdoor run gives them access to sunlight, dust bathing areas, and foraging opportunities. Even with free-range access, a secure run is essential for times when you cannot supervise them.

A good rule of thumb is one nesting box for every 3-4 hens. Boxes should be approximately 12"x12"x12" for standard breeds. While hens may prefer the same box, providing the right ratio ensures they have enough space to lay comfortably without stress or egg breakage.

Overcrowding leads to multiple problems: increased aggression and pecking order issues, higher risk of disease transmission, respiratory problems from ammonia buildup, dirty eggs, reduced egg production, and stress-related behaviors like feather picking and cannibalism. Providing adequate space is the single most important factor in flock health.