Grow-out pen size/dimensions

[iheartrunners]

What would you say is a reasonable size (dimensions) for around 70 chicks from age 0 until they are about 5 months old given they will have 10 to 15 sqft of outdoor run space each?

Also if anyone has pics I'd love to see yours!

Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Are you raising large fowl or bantam breeds? What is your general location/climate and is there a particular time of year you plan to use this pen or will it be used year-round with cycling groups of birds?

 

[iheartrunners]

Right... should have mentioned that!

It will be for dual-purpose Large Fowl. I'm in eastern Ontario (Canada) north of New York, so we have "true" winters here - But I will likely only use the pen from April until August - so spring and summer.

Thanks!

 

[donrae]

Those ages, that season, enough outdoor space, you could probably get by with around 2-3 feet each in a coop. Your challenge is going to be enough roost space once they start roosting. And managing poop....that's a lot of birds. Poop boards will be your friend, I'm thinking.

Since you're maxing out at 5 months, I'm guessing you're butchering? So, you can manage any issues by removing a problem bird earlier? That is a good option to keep. Sometimes it's not about space, it's a specific bird who just won't get along with everyone else.

But, more space is always better. No one ever wishes they'd made the coop smaller.

 

[aart]

Those ages, that season, enough outdoor space, you could probably get by with around 2-3 feet each in a coop. Your challenge is going to be enough roost space once they start roosting. And managing poop....that's a lot of birds. Poop boards will be your friend, I'm thinking.

Since you're maxing out at 5 months, I'm guessing you're butchering? So, you can manage any issues by removing a problem bird earlier? That is a good option to keep. Sometimes it's not about space, it's a specific bird who just won't get along with everyone else.

But, more space is always better. No one ever wishes they'd made the coop smaller.

Ditto Dat^^^

@donrae you often save me so much typing!

 

[iheartrunners]

Those ages, that season, enough outdoor space, you could probably get by with around 2-3 feet each in a coop. Your challenge is going to be enough roost space once they start roosting. And managing poop....that's a lot of birds. Poop boards will be your friend, I'm thinking.

Since you're maxing out at 5 months, I'm guessing you're butchering? So, you can manage any issues by removing a problem bird earlier? That is a good option to keep. Sometimes it's not about space, it's a specific bird who just won't get along with everyone else.

But, more space is always better. No one ever wishes they'd made the coop smaller.

That's what I figured (size-wise). And you're right, after doing a lot of figuring I got on to the roost space - I always forget how much space it takes! haha. I currently use poop boards with a lip filled with sand and stall-dry. Works really well - I'll just have to scale up (a lot!) for that amount of birds.

Yes, cockerels will be processed, but pullets will move to layer coop.

Thanks for your reply!