Oregon State gives each hen 3 sq ft of coop floor when it has a run, and the University of Delaware 2 to 3 sq ft inside plus 8 to 10 sq ft of run. RSPCA Australia’s minimum counts floor and run together, starting at 3 m² (32.3 sq ft).
Hen size
Space for your hens
As an Amazon Associate, What Do Pets Need earns from qualifying purchases.
Coop floor and run
Oregon State’s figure rises to 8–10 sq ft per bird when the hens have no run or outdoor area at all. RSPCA Australia’s 3 m² covers up to six bantams or three large birds, and each extra bird needs at least 0.4 m² more if it’s large and 0.3 m² if it’s small. It calls these figures a minimum and says the birds will appreciate more room if you can give it.
For a permanent house, RSPCA Australia keeps hens on deep litter: usually a concrete slab under 10–15 cm of sawdust, shavings or hay, changed regularly.
Perches
RSPCA Australia and DEFRA give at least 15 cm (5.9 in) of perch per hen, Oregon State 5–10 in, and RVC about 25 cm (9.8 in), less for bantams. RVC wants enough perch space to prevent competition, so the longest figure is the safe side.
RSPCA Australia uses 75 x 50 mm dressed timber at least 50 cm (19.7 in) off the floor, lower (30 cm) for heavier hens. Oregon State sets the poles 2 ft up with 10 in between them. RVC keeps perches low enough that hens don’t bruise their feet jumping off, and DEFRA spaces them at least 30 cm apart and 20 cm from the wall.
Nest boxes
RSPCA Australia gives at least one box for every 2–4 hens, RVC one per 3, the University of Delaware one per 3–4, Oregon State one for about every four, and DEFRA’s farm rules one for every seven. Make each box about 12 in (30 cm) square, as Oregon State and RSPCA Australia do.
DEFRA’s code covers backyard flocks as well as farms, and recommends its rules for 350 or more hens as good practice in smaller flocks.
Keeping predators out
Oregon State encloses the coop in a run of 1 x 2 in mesh fencing, buried 6 in to 1 ft into the ground against animals that dig, such as foxes, coyotes and dogs. RVC keeps dogs and foxes out with sturdy wire that extends 3 ft along the ground at the bottom.
Feed
RVC feeds layers pellets to hens that are laying, which usually starts from 20 weeks of age or more.