I Have a Question for You All?? Please Help

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realsis

Crazy for Silkies
11 Years
Jan 17, 2013
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California
Hi friends. I have ten standard size chicks coming in April and hubby is expanding and building a new coop but I am worried. I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT GET HIM TO BUILD A BIGGER COOP THAN A 4X8. I already have a large run and 10,000 sq. feet to free range but how many chickens will a 4x8 coop hold?? I'm concerned about space. I've read several answers online and want to know what you all think? I was so excited when he started the build i have been asking for a larger coop for four years. I don't want to sound ungreatful but when I learned of the size I must say I was disappointed and concerned. I tried to talk him into a bigger coop but he won't budge on size. now the walls are framed and I'm worried I might need to get rid of some of my brand new girls when they come because they won't all fit in the coop. what do you think? will ten chickens fit in a 4x8 coop?? or should I plan on giving some of my new girls away (heart breaking)??
 
With 4 sq. ft. each, it will house 8 chickens, but if you have plenty of roost space, at least 3 nest boxes, and a covered run they can access every day, I think you will be fine.
 
IMHO I think you can get by with the 4X8 coop(32sq ft) considering you have so much room for them to free range they will mostly be using the coop only at night. It is a bit snug, not ideal, but if it were me I wouldn't give up any of my babies unless there became a real problem (like serious pecking). You can look at different ways to most effectively utilize the space- such as stacking nesting boxes, ladder type roosts, or a continuos roost all the way around the inside of the coop. I'm not an expert (this is my first year but I've done a TON of research preparing), so hopefully a veteran chicken owner will weigh in.
 
It will be cozy, but you won't have snow to worry about, so they will want to be outside a lot. If your run is really predator proof, the coop door can be left open all the time, also a big help. A solid run roof to keep out the rain is very helpful too. Some breeds and families are less aggressive than others in close quarters, which helps minimize pecking and bullying. A bigger coop would be much better, and you'll be able to say "I told you so!" when 'chicken math' happens. Mary
 

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