Thinking of keeping chickens? The experts at British Hen Welfare Trust explains how much room you need
How much room do hens need?
Hens are sociable animals and need to be part of a flock, so the minimum number you should keep is three.
Always give your hens as much room as possible. The minimum space hens need is 30cm² of floor space inside the house, 25cm of perch space and an outside run space of 1m² of for ex-caged hens and 2m² for ex-free-range hens, plus room to free range each day.
Choose a house which can accommodate more birds than you intend to get, so if you want three hens, buy a house that can accommodate at least four to give them plenty of space.
Wood is traditionally used to make coops, but plastic coops are also available and are easier to - and keep - clean.
Looking to buy a coop? Check out BBC Countryfile's buyer's guide to the best chicken coops in 2024: homes for your hens
Space is essential for good social interaction and by restricting it, you risk stressing your flock and inviting unhealthy behaviour.
Where to site your hen coop
Remember your hen house needs to be fox proof and vermin proof so bear this in mind when you choose your site to sit it. Weather is also a big consideration - no one wants chilly hens or hens that are too hot - so site from prevailing winds and shelter from the sun.
You will need to remove droppings and wet patches daily and give it a thorough clean ever 2-4 weeks
For inspiration about which hens will best suit your set up, check out BBC Countryfile's guide to chicken breeds: 12 of the best for beginner keepers.
The British Hen Welfare Trust is the UK’s largest charity for commercial laying hens. Each year they rehome around 60,000 hens as family pets that would otherwise have been destined for slaughter. They have approximately 1,400 volunteers and almost 50 collection points across the UK. They also have an associate charity in France, Champs Libres aux Poules, which rehomes thousands of commercial laying hens as pets too.
The British Hen Welfare Trust is the UK’s largest charity for commercial laying hens. Each year they rehome around 60,000 hens as family pets that would otherwise have been destined for slaughter. They have approximately 1,400 volunteers and almost 50 collection points across the UK. They also have an associate charity in France, Champs Libres aux Poules, which rehomes thousands of commercial laying hens as pets too.
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