The Best Size Chicken Coop for 4–6 Hens (Space, Perches, and Nesting) 🐔📏
Choosing the right coop size keeps your hens healthy, stress-free, and laying. For most backyard keepers with 4–6 birds, small sizing mistakes lead to pecking, ammonia smell, and poor egg output. Use this quick guide to dial in floor space, roosts, nests, ventilation, and run room—then check our shop link at the end to grab a predator-proof coop that matches these specs. 🛡️
How much floor space do 4–6 hens need?
- Inside the coop:3–4 sq ft per hen.
- 4 hens: 12–16 sq ft
- 6 hens: 18–24 sq ft
- Run area: 8–10 sq ft per hen minimum (more if they’re confined).
- Give at least 1 large pop door for easy traffic.
Roost bars & nesting boxes
- Roosts: 8–10 inches of bar space per hen, 12–15 in from wall, 18 in between bars.
- Nests: 1 box per 3 hens (so 2 boxes for 4–6 hens), 12×12 in, raised off the floor.
Ventilation that actually works
- Target 1 sq ft of ventilation per 10 sq ft of floor, placed above the roost height to vent moist air without drafting birds.
Materials & maintenance
- Smooth, sealed surfaces = faster cleaning.
- Use hardware cloth (¼ in), not chicken wire, for any openings.
- Removable trays or deep-litter save time.
Quick checklist ✅
- Floor space calculated
- Perch length measured
- Nests placed & lined
- Vents high and secure
- Predator-proof wire used
CTA:
👉 Ready for a coop sized perfectly for 4–6 hens? Browse our predator-proof models here: Chicken Coop Shop.
