Answer
How much space does a chicken need?
Each standard chicken needs about 2 sq ft inside the coop and 8 to 10 sq ft of outside run; bantams need about half (1 and 4 sq ft), so 6 hens need a 12 sq ft coop and a 48–60 sq ft run.
Coop and run size by flock
| Birds | Coop (standard) | Run (standard) | Coop (bantam) | Run (bantam) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 sq ft | 24–30 sq ft | 3 sq ft | 12 sq ft |
| 4 | 8 sq ft | 32–40 sq ft | 4 sq ft | 16 sq ft |
| 6 | 12 sq ft | 48–60 sq ft | 6 sq ft | 24 sq ft |
| 8 | 16 sq ft | 64–80 sq ft | 8 sq ft | 32 sq ft |
| 10 | 20 sq ft | 80–100 sq ft | 10 sq ft | 40 sq ft |
| 12 | 24 sq ft | 96–120 sq ft | 12 sq ft | 48 sq ft |
| 15 | 30 sq ft | 120–150 sq ft | 15 sq ft | 60 sq ft |
| 20 | 40 sq ft | 160–200 sq ft | 20 sq ft | 80 sq ft |
More questions
Is more space better for chickens?
Yes: these are minimums. Crowding is linked to pecking and stress, so give more if you can.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens?
It depends on your town: many limit the number of hens or ban roosters, so check local rules first.
How big a coop for 6 chickens?
At least 12 sq ft inside and 48–60 sq ft of run for standard hens.
How big a coop for 10 chickens?
At least 20 sq ft inside and 80–100 sq ft of run for standard hens.
How many nest boxes do I need?
Our source doesn’t give a figure; many keepers use one box per three to four hens.
Do bantams need less space?
Yes, about half: 1 sq ft inside and 4 sq ft of run per bird.
Does free-ranging change the run size?
Hens that free-range during the day need less run, but the coop still needs space for the night.
Can I check my own coop?
Yes: the cage size calculator checks a coop’s floor area for your number of birds.
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