If you’re considering getting your own flock of chickens for fresh eggs, you might be wondering how big should a coop be for 20 chickens.
Chickens are small animals so how much space could they need? You’ll need to take a few things into account before you decide on the space you’ll need for your birds. Here are several considerations.
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How Big Should a Coop Be For 20 Birds? General Guidelines
So how big should the coop be? That question isn’t easily answered. It depends on a lot of factors like how big the chickens are, the size of your flock, and if will they have access to a run or an outdoor space. Also, you may have specific guidelines depending on where you live and your neighborhood.
This post doesn’t contain specific chicken coop plans. It will help you determine the size and measurements you need to build a chicken house for any number of birds.
For a standard-size bird with access to the outdoors, 4 square feet of coop space per bird would be enough space. So for 20 birds that would be 80 square feet of space bare minimum. You could achieve this by building an 8×10 coop.
But if your chickens are lucky enough to free range during the day, they don’t need quite as much room inside. In that case, you can get away with about 2 square feet per chicken. So for 20 chickens, that’s around 40 square feet inside the coop.
If the birds do not have access to the outdoors, Almanac.com suggests increasing the size of your coop to 10 square feet per bird.
However, I recommend giving chickens access to outdoors if it’s possible. They thrive best when they can scratch and get fresh air. For 20 chickens in a coop without a run you would need at least 200 square feet or a 10×20 coop. A larger coop would be even better.
My flock is allowed to free-range during the day and only spends a small amount of time in the coop at night. I am more concerned about roosting space than actual floor space in the coop. Check out my DIY Chicken Coop. I added on to it over the years as well as adding a large run.
Coop Design For Smaller Size Birds
Smaller bantam breeds don’t need as much space as an average size chicken. The fact that they need less space makes them great for small backyards and neighborhoods.
If your bantam chickens are going to live in the coop full-time, they’ll still need some space to move around comfortably. Plan on giving each chicken about 2-3 square feet of space. So for 20 bantams, that’s around 40-60 square feet total inside the coop.
If your bantam’s get to enjoy the great outdoors during the day, they’ll need less space inside. You can get away with about 1 square foot per chicken. So for 20 bantams, you’re looking at around 20 square feet inside the coop.
Roosting Space For 20 Chickens
Roosting space for a flock of 20 chickens will also depend on the size of the birds. Roosts should be a minimum of 2×2” thick. This will allow the birds to rest comfortably. A 2×4” roost is even better, especially in colder climates. This gives the birds the ability to rest on top of their feet and prevent frostbite.
You should allow around 8” of roosting space per bird for standard-size chickens. Chickens like to huddle together during the night so they don’t require as much space as you might think.
For a 20-chicken coop, you’ll need around 13.5 feet of roosting space. You could easily achieve this by running two 2”x4”x10’ boards the length of your 8X10 coop.
If you’re just starting your coop design, check out my chicken ladder method for maximizing roosting space. You can modify it to suit the number of chickens you have.
When designing a chicken coop for 20 bantam chickens, aim for 6 inches of roosting space per bird. You’ll also want to place the roosts around 12 to 18 inches off the ground.
This height is low enough for the bantam chickens to easily hop onto the roosts but high enough to keep them away from drafts and potential predators on the ground.
Another consideration for bantams is the thickness of the roosting bars. Bantam chickens have smaller feet compared to standard-sized breeds, so thinner roosts, around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, are more comfortable for them to grip.
Spacing between roosting bars is also important for the chickens’ comfort and safety. Allow for at least 10-12 inches of space between each roosting bar. This spacing gives each chicken enough room to perch without feeling crowded and reduces the likelihood of them bumping into each other.
Chicken Runs
Chicken coops should have an outdoor run. This is where they can peck, scratch, get some fresh air, and just be chickens. You should aim for at least 10 square feet of run space per chicken. For 20 chickens, you’re looking at a run that should be at least 200 square feet. A good size to think about is something like 10 feet by 20 feet.
Adding an automatic chicken door is a great way to safely close your chickens in at night, and allow them to get out of the coop first thing in the morning.
Make sure the run is secure with strong wire mesh to keep predators out and your chickens safe.
Covering the top of the run is also a smart move because it protects them from things that might try to swoop down for a snack. I cover my chicken run with golf netting found on Amazon. It helps to ensure the safety of your chickens.
The run also needs to be on level ground so predators can’t burrow underneath it.
Bantams greatly benefit from having a run. These little chickens still need some room to stretch their wings.
Aim for about 5 square feet of outdoor space per bantam chicken. That means for 20 bantams, you’d want a run that’s about 100 square feet. You could build a run 5 feet wide and 20 feet long. That should give them plenty of space to peck and scratch.
Nesting Boxes
When you’ve got 20 chickens, setting up the right number of nesting boxes is key so everyone has a cozy spot to lay their eggs. You don’t want too few boxes because that can lead to some chicken drama over who gets to lie where.
For the number of birds you have, the bare minimum you need is one nesting box for every 3 to 4 chickens. So, for 20 chickens, you’ll want at least 5-7 nesting boxes. This gives them enough options so they won’t feel too crowded or start fighting over space.
The placement of the boxes is also important. You don’t want to put them directly on the ground. Lifting them off the floor helps keep them cleaner and makes the chickens feel more secure. A good height is about 18 inches to 2 feet off the ground. Not too high that it’s hard for them to get in, but not so low to help reduce pests.
Bedding is super important too. It keeps the eggs safe when they’re laid and makes the boxes comfy for your hens.
Good options for bedding include straw or pine shavings. You should also check out these great nesting pads. These materials are soft and help keep the eggs from breaking. Plus, they’re easy to change out, which you’ll want to do regularly to keep everything clean and tidy.
If you’re building your first chicken coop investing in roll-out nesting boxes is a good idea. These boxes keep the eggs clean, prevent the dreaded egg eating, and help to prevent broken eggs. They’re a game-changer for egg collecting. Use code LMF15 for $15 off your nesting box!
Variables
When you’re planning to build a chicken coop for 20 chickens, there are several important factors to consider that can affect everything from the chicken coop’s size to its location and construction materials.
Chicken Coop Size
If you have 20 chickens, you need enough space so each chicken feels comfortable and stress-free. Typically, you should plan on about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop if they have access to an outdoor run.
This means for 20 chickens, your coop should be at least 80 square feet. However, if you decide to keep fewer chickens, later on, you could scale down the size or provide extra space per chicken, which they would definitely appreciate.
Local Climate
The climate in your area plays a huge role in how you design your chicken coop. For example, in areas with subfreezing temperatures, you’ll need to make sure that the coop is well-insulated to keep the chickens warm.
On the other hand, in areas that have intense summer heat, as we do here in the South, your coop will need good ventilation to prevent overheating and help the chickens stay cool. Features like windows that open for airflow or shades to block out intense sun can be crucial in areas with high humidity.
Local Neighborhood Requirements
If you are a first-time chicken owner, it’s very important to check the local zoning laws and homeowner association rules before you build. Some places have specific regulations about the size and location of livestock enclosures, including chicken coops. They might also have rules on how far structures need to be from property lines or other houses, which can significantly impact your coop’s placement and size.
Additional Factors
If you plan on having fewer chickens or maybe increasing the flock in the future, consider designing a coop that can be easily adjusted. Moveable designs like a chicken tractor can save you a lot of headaches as your needs change. Also, think about the ease of cleaning, feeding, and egg collection, as these daily activities should be as convenient as possible to fit into your routine.
FAQs
Can I use a smaller coop if my chickens have access to a large run?
Yes, if your chickens have access to a large outdoor run, you can reduce the space to about 2 square feet per chicken. However, the coop should still be big enough for all chickens to roost and nest comfortably, which would be at least 40 square feet for 20 chickens.
What dimensions are ideal for a chicken coop for 20 chickens?
An 8×10-foot coop provides 80 square feet of space, which is suitable for 20 chickens if they have additional outdoor space. Ensure there’s enough room for nesting boxes and roosting bars without overcrowding.
How many nesting boxes do I need for 20 chickens?
The general rule is to have one nesting box for every 3 to 4 hens. For 20 chickens, you should have between 5 to 7 nesting boxes.
How high should the ceilings be in a chicken coop for 20 chickens?
The ceiling should be high enough to allow for adequate ventilation, typically 6 to 8 feet high. This height also makes it comfortable for you to enter and clean the coop or collect eggs without too much hassle.
Do I need to insulate a chicken coop for 20 chickens?
Insulation depends on your local climate. In areas with cold winters, insulation helps keep the coop warm. In hot climates, proper ventilation and shading are more critical than insulation to prevent overheating.
How much outdoor run space should I provide for 20 chickens?
Each chicken should have at least 10 square feet of outdoor run space. For 20 chickens, aim for at least 200 square feet of run area. More space is always better if you have a room.
What’s the best flooring for a chicken coop for 20 chickens?
Good flooring options include concrete, which is easy to clean and pest-free, or a deep litter method such as pine shavings or straw, which provides insulation and can be composted.
Final Thoughts
When planning a chicken coop for 20 chickens, getting the size and layout right is so important for the health and happiness of your flock. Remember, providing at least 80 square feet of indoor space and providing them with additional run space will give your chickens enough room to roam, roost, and rest comfortably.
Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or a newcomer to backyard chicken keeping, taking the time to plan and build a large, secure, and accommodating chicken coop will help your chickens thrive and continue to provide fresh eggs for years to come.
Want to know more about how to care for fresh eggs? Check out my FREE eBook for egg care!
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