10 x 12 How Many Chickens

[Countrymanfowl]

I currently have a plastic DIY shed that is 10' by 12'. They have a very large area outside but I'm wondering how many chickens this would fit. Bared rocks or RIR's to be exact. I've kept chickens in it before but am looking to find out what the optimal number would be. Thanks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I assume you get some noticeable cold spells or snowfall? In bad enough weather birds may choose to stay in for days or even weeks, so I'd go with maybe around 8 sq ft a bird, which would be 15 birds. If you have some weather proof outdoor space (like a run that can be tarped during snow storms) you might be able to fit a few more.

(If I'm wrong about your climate and it's not usually too bad, then you could aim more towards 4 sq ft per bird.)

 

[Countrymanfowl]

I assume you get some noticeable cold spells or snowfall? In bad enough weather birds may choose to stay in for days or even weeks, so I'd go with maybe around 8 sq ft a bird, which would be 15 birds. If you have some weather proof outdoor space (like a run that can be tarped during snow storms) you might be able to fit a few more.

(If I'm wrong about your climate and it's not usually too bad, then you could aim more towards 4 sq ft per bird.)

8 sq ft a bird? That seems a bit high. And no you're right, when it gets cold, it gets cold.

 

[rosemarythyme]

8 sq ft a bird? That seems a bit high. And no you're right, when it gets cold, it gets cold.

It's high because when they're all packed in there avoiding the snow or icy cold winds, they'll start getting cranky and that can lead to behavior issues.

I built for 4 sq ft per bird (though currently sitting at about 8 sq ft per, as I'm not at max capacity for the coop yet) and yes there's very stormy days where they really do not want to go outside for more than a minute. During periods of snow I clear out space in the run just so they'll come out instead of huddling and bickering inside the coop. Thankfully we get relatively few of those days - if you can manage things so that they don't end up staying indoors on days like that, then you can fit more birds than what I suggested.

 

[Countrymanfowl]

It's high because when they're all packed in there avoiding the snow or icy cold winds, they'll start getting cranky and that can lead to behavior issues.

I built for 4 sq ft per bird (though currently sitting at about 8 sq ft per, as I'm not at max capacity for the coop yet) and yes there's very stormy days where they really do not want to go outside for more than a minute. During periods of snow I clear out space in the run just so they'll come out instead of huddling and bickering inside the coop. Thankfully we get relatively few of those days - if you can manage things so that they don't end up staying indoors on days like that, then you can fit more birds than what I suggested.

Is it advisable to keep the door opened on winter days or would I have to build a chicken door for them? The only reason I haven't yet is the coop is plastic as I said above. Don't want to ruin the structure.

 

[so lucky]

Our 4 by 8 coop is raised about 18" so the girls can go under there in rain weather or snow. It's closed off on two sides, so usually dry in there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is it advisable to keep the door opened on winter days or would I have to build a chicken door for them? The only reason I haven't yet is the coop is plastic as I said above. Don't want to ruin the structure.

I have a chicken door and it stays open during daylight hours regardless of weather. The way my coop (6x10 shed) is set up it'd probably be difficult to safely keep the door propped open all day and would be hard to keep rain/snow out.

 

[aart]

8 sq ft a bird? That seems a bit high.

Not high.......unless your run is weather proofed(wind and snow) they could to be staying inside the coop for days on end during storms.