🐔 Chicken Coop Size Calculator
Calculate the right size chicken coop for your flock
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Number of Chickens
Input the number of chickens you plan to keep. This determines the total space requirements for your coop and run.
Select Chicken Size
Choose the size of your chickens: Bantam (2 sq ft/chicken), Standard (4 sq ft/chicken), or Large (6 sq ft/chicken). Different sizes need different space.
Include Run (Optional)
Select whether you'll include an outdoor run. Runs provide additional space for exercise and foraging. Runs need 4-15 sq ft per chicken depending on size.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Coop Size" to see coop size, dimensions, nesting boxes needed, roosting space, and run information. Use this to plan your coop design.
Formula
Coop Area = Number of Chickens × Space per Chicken
Space per Chicken: Bantam = 2 sq ft, Standard = 4 sq ft, Large = 6 sq ft
Run Area = Number of Chickens × Run Space per Chicken
Nesting Boxes = Number of Chickens ÷ 4.5 (1 box per 4-5 hens)
Roosting Space = Number of Chickens × 10 inches (8-12 inches per chicken)
Example 1: 10 Standard Chickens with Run
Step 1: Coop area: 10 × 4 = 40 sq ft
Step 2: Coop dimensions: ~7' × ~6' (approximately square)
Step 3: Run area: 10 × 10 = 100 sq ft
Step 4: Total area: 40 + 100 = 140 sq ft
Step 5: Nesting boxes: 10 ÷ 4.5 = 3 boxes
Step 6: Roosting space: 10 × 10 = 100 inches (8.3 ft)
Example 2: 20 Bantam Chickens without Run
Step 1: Coop area: 20 × 2 = 40 sq ft
Step 2: Nesting boxes: 20 ÷ 4.5 = 5 boxes
Step 3: Roosting space: 20 × 10 = 200 inches (16.7 ft)
About Chicken Coop Size Calculator
The Chicken Coop Size Calculator is an essential tool for backyard chicken keepers, farmers, and homesteaders who need to determine the right size chicken coop for their flock. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise coop size calculations based on number of chickens, chicken size, and whether a run is included, helping you build or buy a coop that provides adequate space for your chickens' health and comfort.
When to Use This Calculator
- Coop Planning: Calculate coop size needed when planning to build or buy a coop
- Flock Planning: Determine how many chickens your existing coop can accommodate
- Expansion Planning: Calculate additional space needed when expanding your flock
- Budget Planning: Estimate materials and costs based on required coop size
- Coop Design: Plan coop dimensions and layout for DIY projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Calculations: Precise calculations based on standard space requirements
- ✅ Multiple Chicken Sizes: Supports bantam, standard, and large chicken sizes
- ✅ Run Calculation: Includes run size calculation for outdoor space
- ✅ Nesting Boxes: Calculates number of nesting boxes needed
- ✅ Roosting Space: Calculates roosting space requirements
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
Space Requirements
Coop Space: Chickens need adequate indoor space in the coop for sleeping, nesting, and protection from weather. Standard space requirements: 2 sq ft per bantam chicken, 4 sq ft per standard chicken, and 6 sq ft per large chicken. Larger is always better for chicken health.
Run Space: Outdoor runs provide additional space for exercise, foraging, and natural behaviors. Runs need 4 sq ft per bantam, 10 sq ft per standard, and 15 sq ft per large chicken. More run space allows chickens to express natural behaviors and reduces stress.
Nesting Boxes: Chickens need nesting boxes for laying eggs. Standard is 1 nesting box per 4-5 hens. Boxes should be 12-14 inches square and located in a quiet, dark area of the coop.
Tips for Best Results
- More Space is Better: These are minimums - more space is always better for chicken health
- Consider Future Growth: Plan for potential flock expansion when sizing your coop
- Account for Equipment: Add extra space for feeders, waterers, and storage
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in addition to space requirements
- Easy Access: Design coop for easy access for cleaning and egg collection
- Predator Protection: Include secure latches and predator-proofing in your design
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space do chickens need in a coop?
Space requirements vary by chicken size: 2 sq ft per bantam chicken, 4 sq ft per standard chicken, and 6 sq ft per large chicken. These are minimums - more space is always better for chicken health and comfort. The calculator shows exact space needed based on your flock size and chicken type.
How big should a coop be for 10 chickens?
For 10 standard chickens, you need a minimum 40 sq ft coop (about 7' × 6'). Add a run for 100 sq ft additional space. The calculator shows exact dimensions and total area based on your specific flock size and chicken type.
Do I need a run for my chickens?
A run is highly recommended for chicken health. Runs provide additional space for exercise, foraging, and natural behaviors. Runs need 4-15 sq ft per chicken depending on size. More run space reduces stress and improves chicken welfare.
How many nesting boxes do I need?
Standard is 1 nesting box per 4-5 hens. For example, 10 hens need 2-3 nesting boxes. Boxes should be 12-14 inches square and located in a quiet, dark area of the coop. The calculator shows exact number needed based on your flock size.
How much roosting space do chickens need?
Chickens need 8-12 inches of roosting space per chicken (average 10 inches). Roosts should be 2-4 feet off the ground and higher than nesting boxes. The calculator shows exact roosting space needed based on your flock size.
Can I keep more chickens than the minimum space allows?
These are minimum space requirements. While technically possible, keeping more chickens than minimum space allows can lead to stress, disease, and behavioral problems. Always provide adequate space for chicken health and welfare. More space is always better.