Chicken Coop and Run Size Calculator

This calculator sizes a chicken run and coop from the number of birds. Enter the flock size and the space per bird you want in the run and in the coop; you get the run area, the side length of a square run, and the coop floor area.

Formula

Run area = birds × run space per bird. Square run side = √(run area). Coop floor = birds × coop space per bird.

• Commonly quoted guidelines are about 10 ft² per standard-size bird in the run and 3-4 ft² in the coop; bantams need less and large breeds more. Use the figure your breed guide gives.

Worked Example

Six hens, 10 ft² each in the run, 4 ft² each in the coop.

1. Run area = 6 × 10 = 60 ft²
2. Square run side = √60 = 7.75 ft
3. Coop floor = 6 × 4 = 24 ft²

How to read the result

A 60 ft² run could be 6 × 10 ft as well as about 7.75 × 7.75 ft. Plan for the flock you may grow into, add roosting bar length (around 8-10 in per bird is often suggested) and one nest box per 3-4 hens.

Limits and common mistakes

• Space guidelines vary by breed and by local rules; check any rules where you live.
• Birds kept in the run all day need more room than birds that free-range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big a run for 6 chickens?

About 60 ft² at 10 ft² per bird.

How much coop space per chicken?

Often 3-4 ft² for standard breeds.

Do bantams need less space?

Yes, roughly half to two thirds of a standard bird.

Can the run be rectangular?

Yes; any shape with the same area works.

in n | Number of chickens | birds | 6 | 0 | 10000
in run | Run space per bird | ft² | 10 | 1 | 100
in coop | Coop floor space per bird | ft² | 4 | 1 | 50
out ra | Run area | ft² | n * run | 0
out side | Side of a square run | ft | sqrt(n * run) | 2
out ca | Coop floor area | ft² | n * coop | 0