Chicken Coop Setup. Provide at least 2-3 square feet of space per chicken inside the coop and an additional 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run to prevent crowding. Ensure the coop is well ...

Thinking about raising backyard chickens? Learn the rules, challenges and expert tips to ensure a healthy and productive flock.

Pre-built coops like this one help maximize space. "The layout [allows] the run to go the entire length of the coop—which means space for the chickens to [forage] under the coop," says Jill ...

In 2011, a city ordinance allowed residents to keep up to three hens in a backyard coop. Residents are required a $10 annual licensing fee per chicken, and a $15 annual permit fee.