Inputs
Run style affects indoor and outdoor space per bird.
1.5 means length is 1.5× width.
in
1 per
hens
Export
Exports include inputs and results.
Results
All values update after you click Calculate.
Coop floor area
— ft²
Suggested footprint: —
Run area
— ft²
Choose sturdy fencing and shade.
Total perch length
— in
Estimated bars needed: —
Nest boxes
—
One box per — hens.
Ventilation opening area
— in²
Aim for — high vs low openings.
Feed and water space
— in
Drinker space: — in.
Pop-hole door suggestion
—
Human door: ~30 in × 72 in minimum.
Example data
| Scenario | Birds | Breed | Run style | Coop area (ft²) | Run area (ft²) | Perch (in) | Nests |
|---|
Formula used
- Pick per-bird requirements from breed and run style:
- Indoor floor area:
Acoop = n × abreed,style. - Outdoor run area:
Arun = n × rbreed,style. - Perch length:
Lperch = n × lbreed.
- Indoor floor area:
- Apply climate and litter adjustments to indoor area:
- Climate factor: hot ×1.00, temperate ×1.00, cold ×1.15.
- Deep litter factor: yes ×1.10, no ×1.00.
A′coop = Acoop × fclimate × flitter.
- Ventilation opening area by climate: per bird
- Cold:
8 in², Temperate:12 in², Hot:16 in². - Total:
V = n × vclimatesplit 60% high / 40% low.
- Cold:
- Nest boxes:
N = ceil(n / p)withphens per box. - Footprint suggestion (length × width):
- Target ratio
R = L/W, solveL = √(A′ × R),W = A′/L.
- Target ratio
Assumptions: large breeds need more space; bantams need less. Values are practical husbandry guidelines, not strict codes. Always follow local regulations and welfare standards.
How to use this calculator
- Choose units, enter birds, pick breed size and run style.
- Set climate and litter options appropriate to your location.
- Adjust perch bar length and nest ratio, then click Calculate.
- Review floor, run, perches, nests, ventilation, and door suggestions.
- Use Export CSV or Export PDF to save or share.
Per-hen space guidelines by breed and run style
These are the per-bird targets the calculator uses internally.
| Breed | Indoor standard (ft²) | Indoor confined (ft²) | Indoor free-range (ft²) | Indoor roomy (ft²) | Run standard (ft²) | Run roomy (ft²) | Perch per bird (in) |
|---|
Perches, nests, and doors: sizing best practices
- Perch bars: 1.5–2.0 in wide, rounded edges; 12 in spacing between bars; minimum 18 in above floor.
- Perch length per bird: Bantam ~8 in, Medium ~10 in, Large ~12 in; avoid crowding at ends.
- Nest boxes: 12×12×12 in for medium; 14×14×14 in for large; 10×10×10 in for bantam; one box per 3–6 hens.
- Pop-hole door: Bantam ~10×10 in; Medium ~11×12 in; Large ~12×14 in; weather flap recommended.
- Human access: Clear opening ~30×72 in minimum; wider if using wheelbarrow cleanouts.
Climate and ventilation quick reference
Target ventilation opening area per bird and recommended split.
| Climate | Opening area per bird (in²) | High openings (60%) | Low openings (40%) |
|---|
Provide adjustable vents with hardware cloth; avoid direct drafts across roosts.