Chicken coop question!!How many square feet of living space do chickens need in there coop?

Question

Ok i got chickens about three weeks ago and they need there coop! But we have been researching different styles and designs but there is one question that is still unanswered. How many square feet of living space do chickens need in there coop? If you have any ideas that would be great! Because we need to build one now! Thank you! -J

Answer 1

Need?  Well, that depends on what sort of standards you're aiming for.  Factory-farmed chickens are packed in so tight that they can't even stretch out their wings.  They practically sleep on top of each other, covered in their own fecal matter.  These conditions are deemed acceptable to the poultry industry.  Laws pertaining to the humane treatment of animals do not apply to livestock animals.  Are you keeping these chickens as pets?  If so, I'd make the coup at least 2 square feet per chicken.  They'll be happier with more space.  If you plan on using them for food, then anything goes I guess, although highly cramped conditions may drive them insane, in which case they could peck each other to death.  Factory-farmed chickens have their beaks cut off when they're chicks, so if you don't plan on doing this, I'd give them about 2 square feet either way.  If you only have a small number of chickens, you might want to go with 3 square feet per chicken.