Sure, we get it—when you're planning your chicken setup, it's easy to think bigger must be better. A roomy coop sounds like luxury for your ladies, right?
But here’s the truth: chickens don’t care about square footage the way we do.

They care about comfort, security, and structure. And while coop size does matter, what’s more important is how that space is used—especially when it comes to roosting space and room to roam outside.

Let’s break it down.

🪵 Roosting Bars > Floor Space

Inside the coop, chickens aren’t doing yoga or pacing laps—they’re either roosting, laying, or catching a nap in the corner.

So while having enough square footage helps, the true MVP of interior space is the roosting bar.

  • Chickens sleep off the ground on roosting bars.

  • They like to feel secure and snuggle up with their flockmates.

  • If there’s not enough bar space? Get ready for squabbles and bedtime drama.

A coop with a smaller footprint but generous roosting space is far better than a giant coop with a bare floor and nowhere to perch.

🌿 Outside Space Matters More

If your chickens have access to an outdoor run or free-range area, that’s where the real magic happens.

That’s where they:

  • Scratch around for bugs and seeds

  • Dust bathe like tiny spa queens

  • Stretch their wings

  • Forage, explore, and live their best chicken lives

Giving them ample outdoor space is more beneficial than overbuilding the indoor coop. Chickens are naturally active and curious—they want to roam, peck, and chase grasshoppers (not pace the same four walls).

The goal? Smaller coop, bigger playground. That’s where healthy, happy hens thrive.

💰 A Smaller Coop Saves Money (and Headaches)

Let’s talk practical perks of scaling back the indoor space:

  • Less bedding needed – Smaller footprint = less shavings or straw to buy and replace

  • Faster cleaning time – No more hour-long deep cleans for a handful of birds

  • Easier to heat in winter – Chickens share body heat, and a snug coop keeps them warmer

  • More manageable setup – Takes up less yard space and fits easier into urban or suburban backyards

Plus, the savings you get from bedding and materials? You can reinvest that in a nicer run, automatic waterer, or more hens (you know you'll want more).

🧠 It’s All About Smart Design

A well-designed coop doesn’t need to be massive—it just needs to be functional, efficient, and comfortable. Think of it like a tiny house for chickens: everything they need, nothing they don’t.

Look for coops that offer:

  • Plenty of roosting bar space for your flock size

  • Built-in nesting boxes for easy laying access

  • Durable construction that holds warmth in the winter

  • Proper ventilation to keep air flowing, not stale

  • Connection to a secure, roomy run for daily adventure

And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s exactly what we designed OverEZ Coops to do—get the size right without going overboard.

🐔 Final Cluck: Smart Space > Big Space

You don’t need a palace to raise a happy flock—you need a coop that’s built with intention.
Focus less on giant square footage, and more on what your chickens will actually use:

  • Roosting bars for restful sleep

  • Nesting boxes for peaceful laying

  • A well-ventilated space to keep them healthy

  • And a big ol’ backyard or run for them to be chickens

Because at the end of the day, they don’t want a mansion… they just want a good perch, a patch of dirt, and a few bugs to chase.