A good starting number?

I want to be conservative because I have ducks (11 girls) who should begin laying in September). I have a lot of natural minded friends who would be able to take the extras off my hand. We will be keeping ducks no matter what- but I think I want to see when it comes to eggs- which I prefer raising for that purpose.

I think I have settled on a single breed- Buffs. I'd like to have some females and 1 roo. I will be paying extra for not getting straight run. I have a few questions...

I'm looking at Strombergs for the Buffs...any input on this?

I have a space that is 8x8. It's an old coop that needs tlc but the bones are solid although a bit 'ugly'. I will upload some pics from my cell phone a little later.

In an 8x8 space how many chickens can comfortably fit? In the spring/summer they will be free range. Probably some of fall too. But winter is pretty darn chilly (30/40s and rainy everyday pretty much)...so I assume they will want to spend more time in their coop than out? There is no electricity in the coop.

Should I expect a certain amount of loss over the first few months? I was thinking to order 1 roo and 3 hens...but I would hate to lose 1 or 2 and be without a roo or possibly enough hens.

How many lay boxes is ideal for hens? I know with ducks you only need 1 box for several females.

Thank you so much!

with an 8x8 coop and free range you can easily accomadate a dozen birds, alot more if you want to...... as far as the weather, 30's n 40's won't even phase your birds... i get down in the teens, rain 9 months a year and my birds still want out and never heat my coop..... if it rains extremely hard they will go back in the coop..... just my 2 cents worth here, i would start with 5 or 6 hens and 1 roo, this is an easy flock to handle and if you lose 1 or 2 you still have plenty to hatch out more...... because why you ask,, you're gonna love having chickens so much you'll want more, plus you have the room....enjoy!

p.s.... 2 laying boxes is fine for 6 hens.. but you might as well build 3 or 4 while your at it because of the chicken math thing....

darin367 said:

p.s.... 2 laying boxes is fine for 6 hens.. but you might as well build 3 or 4 while your at it because of the chicken math thing....

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Thank you so much! I would def prefer to start with the smaller number. That way I could let my hens hatch a few if I love them. There is space for 4- as the previous home owner had 4 there but new lay boxes are in order. If we like having chickens- then we can build a new coop the next year.

How should I prepare the ground? Plain dirt? Should I put hay/straw on the floor of the coop? I know hay will go in the boxes.