Hello All you chicken lovers

Some people have em cooped (no pun intended) in tiny areas and they manage ok BUT I wouldn't recommend it.  I'd say (though I'm no expert) that if they come out to free range, then within their run a square meter each bare minimum but I'm sure Aunt Sally will give you the exact recommended requirements if you check with her.

They'll cope with little space, but the more you give them, the happier they will be. Too little space leads to boredom and pecking and they are dependent on you for all their food. Some free ranging space means they can hunt out extras like bugs and grass to add to their diet.

And if you keep them on the same ground all the time, you need to think about keeping the soil fresh.

But, work out the details and it will be wonderful for them and for you! Fresh eggs for breakfast, your own little fan club greeting you every time you go out into the garden - they are so funny you'll spend hours watching them 

you could consider bantams, same personalities, but smaller version, they eat less, but the downside is the eggs are smaller, but just as tasty