| Standard Space Guidelines |
For each free-range bird:
- Heavy breeds: 4 sq ft
(If birds are to be butchered before 16 weeks of age, 2 sq ft will work.)
- Light breeds: 3 sq ft
- Bantams: 2 sq ft
For each confined housing bird:
- Heavy breeds: 10 sq ft
- Light breeds: 7.5 sq ft
- Bantams: 5 sq ft
|
| It’s fine to add more space for your birds if you have it available. |
|
| |
|
So how much space do I need?
The answer depends on several factors, including size of birds and whether they are free-range or confined, or a bit of both. Our chickens (about 50) enjoy being outside during the pleasant days of spring, summer and fall, but when the weather is chilly, windy or wet, they tend to stay inside. On those days they need additional space inside even though we consider them to be free-range.
Signs you need more space:
- Birds are quarrelsome, too much fighting and pecking for space.
- Coccidia or other disease outbreaks.
- Stress related deaths.
- Pasture does not last as long as you would prefer.
|
