Opinions on a frequent topic

Hello everyone! I'm new to chickens and new to this forum (besides reading many of the posts) but would appreciate some opinions. I acquired my very diverse flock three weeks ago from a local breeder. They are different breeds and different ages ranging from 6-14 weeks. They all free ranged together and the breeder said it was fine for them to stay together (I've since read some varying opinions on that but they are all doing fine so far).

The flock consists of: Blue Aracauna, Blue Langshan, Black Orpington, Rhode Island Red, Gold Laced Wyandotte, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte (or is it Red Laced Blue? I've seen it two different ways, are they different?), an Indian Red Jungle Fowl, and a Black Breasted Red Old English Game Rooster. So two of the eight are bantams They have a 4x8 coop (not including nesting boxes), a higher roosting bar that allows floor space under it. The coop has three windows which open for ventilation as well as a full screen door (windows and doors are hardware cloth). They have 200 square feet of covered run which is broken into two 100 square feet areas plus walkways between so they have access to the full square footage at all times but its not one big open area. I live in PA where the Winter's have gotten colder the past few years so I'm not sure how often they will go out but they will have access during the day if they choose.

Now for my question. I am getting a five week old Wellsummer and a six week old Blue Americauna (true, not easter egger) this week. This will complete my flock for a total of 10. I'm seeking opinions about whether I will run into problems with this many in area that I have available and what to watch for.

Thank you! Love reading the posts and all the varying opinions. While everyone's situation, experience and opinions are different this is a great way to get some thoughts.

I don't think you will run into many issues. The outdoor space seems big enough. I think your coop may be a little small for everyone. I read 4 sq. Feet per bird for coop and 10 sq. Feet per bird for the run. It may work but they may be a little more stressed!

barneveldrerman said:

I don't think you will run into many issues. The outdoor space seems big enough. I think your coop may be a little small for everyone. I read 4 sq. Feet per bird for coop and 10 sq. Feet per bird for the run. It may work but they may be a little more stressed!

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Thanks for your thoughts. I read those requirements as well but less for bantams so I'm thinking it may be okay. 32sq ft for 6 that require 4sq ft and 2 that require half that from what I've read. Should have 4 sq feet to spare but the Orpington will get quite large.

Yeah it should be OK just wanted to let you know so if they get a little stressed you whould know why.

Yup, I appreciate the feedback!

That might be tight quarters for 10 birds in your climate...especially during winter, tho your covered run should help if it keeps snow out of the run.
The 4sqft is minimum IMO...despite some being bantams.

Also extra room is needed to keep birds separate during integration of additional birds.

Do you have ventilation up high above roost area for winter?

Thanks for your feedback. Just roof venting...

I would be worried about space, bored or crowded chickens quickly become pecked and harassed chickens, my chickens only go inside to lay and roost at night, but when there is a snow storm you might be in trouble, those are all pretty dominate pushy breeds, I personally would be looking to get something bigger, or at least divide them up, those square footage needs are really for large production farms that debeak, their birds. I have had this trouble in the past and have learned the hard way. Now you never know, your chickens may all like each other and be fine. I have 10 bantam chickens in a 10x10 indoor pen and a 5x25 run with access to more. I think crowding cause all kinds of trouble. Just been my experience.

We'll see how it goes. Considering adding another 100 sq ft to run area for 300 total and a smaller, cheaper coop than I have as they grow.

The 4sqft is minimum IMO...despite some being bantams.

Also extra room is needed to keep birds separate during integration of additional birds. 

Do you have ventilation up high above roost area for winter?
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I also do have a full length 4ft screen door (hardware cloth).