A coop for 10 chickens should provide at least 40-50 square feet of space, ensuring ample room for nesting, roosting, and movement.
Raising chickens requires proper housing to keep them healthy and productive. For 10 standard-sized hens, you’ll need a coop with at least 30-40 square feet of floor space plus an 80-100 square foot run. This guide covers everything from coop dimensions to essential features for your flock.
Minimum Space Requirements for 10 Chickens
The general rule is 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the outdoor run. This means:
| Space Type | Minimum Size |
|---|---|
| Coop Floor Space | 40 sq ft (e.g., 5×8 ft or 6×7 ft) |
| Run Space | 100 sq ft (e.g., 10×10 ft) |
These are minimums – more space is always better. Chickens confined to tight quarters may develop behavioral issues like feather pecking. Learn how to stop chickens from pecking each other if space is limited.
Factors Affecting Space Needs
Breed Size Differences
- Bantams need only 2 sq ft per bird in coop
- Large breeds like Orpingtons need 5+ sq ft each
- Meat birds require more space than layers
Climate Considerations
In colder climates, some keepers reduce to 3 sq ft per bird for warmth. In hot climates, extra space helps prevent overheating. See how chickens regulate their temperature in different weather.
Coop Design Essentials
Structural Features
A well-designed coop includes:
- Proper ventilation (1 sq ft per bird)
- Roosting bars (8-12″ per chicken)
- Nesting boxes (3-4 for 10 hens)
- Easy-clean flooring
- Predator-proof construction
Example Coop Layouts
Popular configurations for 10 chickens:
- Walk-in style: 6×7 ft with 4 ft height
- Tractor design: 4×10 ft mobile unit
- Two-story: 5×8 ft with loft space
When introducing chickens to a new coop, allow extra space during the transition period.
Run Requirements
The outdoor run is equally important. Key considerations:
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum Size | 100 sq ft (10×10 ft) |
| Fence Height | 6 ft minimum (8 ft for flighty breeds) |
| Ground Cover | Grass, sand, or wood chips |
For free-range flocks, the run can be smaller since birds will roam. Backyard Chickens recommends at least 4 sq ft per bird even for free-range situations.
Special Considerations
Winter Housing
In cold climates:
- Reduce ventilation slightly but never eliminate
- Add extra bedding for insulation
- Consider a slightly smaller space for warmth
Broody Hens
When hens go broody, they need:
- Private nesting space
- Extra food and water access
- Protection from flock mates
According to The Happy Chicken Coop, “It’s better to have a coop that’s slightly too big than one that’s too small.”
Expanding Your Flock
If you might add more chickens later:
- Build 25% larger than current needs
- Plan for easy expansion
- Consider separate areas for different ages
Remember that free-range space requirements differ from confined flocks.
Proper planning ensures your chickens stay healthy and productive. While 4 sq ft per bird is the minimum, more space leads to happier hens and better egg production year-round.