Chicken Coop & Hardware Cloth Sizing Calculator
Calculate minimum indoor coop square footage, outdoor run space, and 1/2-inch hardware cloth roll requirements for your backyard flock.
Quick facts
| Recommended Indoor Space | 4 sq ft per hen (large fowl) / 2 sq ft per hen (bantam) |
|---|---|
| Recommended Run Space | 10 sq ft per hen (large fowl) / 6 sq ft per hen (bantam) |
| Hardware Cloth Size | 1/2-inch 19-gauge galvanized steel mesh for walls and dig aprons |
| Nesting Box Ratio | 1 box per 3 to 4 hens placed in a dark, quiet corner |
| Roosting Space | 8 to 10 inches of roosting rail per adult hen |
Calculate minimum indoor coop area, outdoor run space, nesting boxes, and hardware cloth roll requirements.
Chicken coop & hardware cloth sizing calculator
Quick Answer: Standard heavy breeds require a minimum of 4 sq ft of indoor coop floor space and 10 sq ft of run space per bird. Always wrap run walls with 1/2-inch 19-gauge hardware cloth rather than chicken wire to prevent predator breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hardware cloth for a chicken coop run?
Most backyard keepers use 1/2-inch 19-gauge galvanized hardware cloth. It stops raccoons, hawks, rats, and foxes. Use 1/4-inch mesh on lower panels if weasels or small snakes are present.
How far should a hardware cloth dig apron extend?
A dig apron should extend 12 to 24 inches outward horizontally along the ground at the base of the run wall, pinned down with landscape staples or buried 2-4 inches under sod.
Sources and references
- NC State Extension: Keeping Garden Chickens (Space & Housing Requirements).
- University of Georgia Extension: Small-Scale Poultry Housing (Publication B1317).