Calculate exact square footage, roost bar length, nesting boxes, and ventilation for your backyard flock.
| Component | Requirement Standard | Design & Construction Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Roost Bar | 10–12 inches per standard bird (12–14" heavy, 8" bantam) | Use 2×4 lumber with the 4-inch side flat and corners rounded. Chickens sleep flat-footed to keep toes warm under feathers in winter. Mount 12–18 inches higher than nesting boxes. |
| Nesting Boxes | 1 box for every 3–4 hens | Keep boxes lower than roosts so birds do not sleep or soil in nesting boxes. Position 18–24 inches off ground with dark, quiet curtains or privacy flaps. |
| Ventilation | Minimum 1 sq ft per bird | Place ventilation openings high near the roof ridge above roost level to draw out ammonia and moisture without creating drafts on perching birds. Cover openings with 1/2-inch hardware cloth. |
| Predator Proofing | Enclosed Run & Coop | Never use standard chicken wire (keeps chickens in, does not keep raccoons/foxes out). Use 1/2-inch galvanized hardware cloth buried 12 inches down or flared outward as an anti-dig apron. |