How Much Space Do Hens Need?

If you keep your own hens opinions vary on the matter of the space required per hen. If they have regular access to the outdoors then their coop should offer at least 2 sq feet per bird. Some say as much as 10 sq feet. That would mean a coop for a dozen birds should measure something between 4 feet x 3 feet to 10 feet by 12 feet, a pretty massive difference. Hens kept in overcrowded conditions will not lay so well and disease if it gets into your flock will spread more easily. Most henkeepers say that a less dense flock makes for a far less smelly coop. Large scale egg producers are bound by rules. The battery hen cage which houses four or five birds and offers the equivalent space of a sheet of A4 paper per bird is being banned by EU rules from 2012.