6x4 coop- can I fit 8?

[Chold05]

I’m adding chicks to our flock, bringing the count to 8 regular sized hens.

My coop is 6x4. We have a very large covered outdoor run they spend most of the time in, except to sleep. They also free range for about an hour each day (if the hawks let us)

Is the coop big enough for 8? The most I’ve had in there before was 6.

I’m planning on adding more roosting space across the long wall and rotating the 2nd bar I have to be wide side up.

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

Eight is a squeeze. If you are ever getting more chickens, you should update your coop.

 

[nuthatched]

6x4 is 24 sq feet, that's 3sq feet per hen, that's acceptable.

 

[Chold05]

Eight is a squeeze. If you are ever getting more chickens, you should update your coop.

I keep asking my husband to build me a new coop. Maybe now is the time! LOL I thought it might be a squeeze but I’m also worried about the possibility losing chick(s) so I ordered a few extra

 

[gtaus]

My coop is 6x4. We have a very large covered outdoor run they spend most of the time in, except to sleep. They also free range for about an hour each day (if the hawks let us)

Is the coop big enough for 8? The most I’ve had in there before was 6.

The rule-of-thumb is 4 square feet per bird. But it's only a recommendation. I have seen some YouTuber's stacking lots of chickens overnight in a mobile coop that appears to be more like 2 square feet per bird, or even less. On the other hand, I live in northern Minnesota and my chickens literally live in the coop 24/7 during the snow months. I have about 8 square feet per bird in my coop to reduce the chance of fighting.

It looks like you have a very nice setup for your chickens, and if they are outside all day and only in the coop to roost for the night, then I suspect you could get by with 8 chickens in your setup. If you see any negative behaviors, you might want to consider reducing the number of chickens by getting rid of any bullies. I don't think it will be a big issue for you, or the chickens. Best wishes.

 

[Shabby Chic-Hens]

I keep asking my husband to build me a new coop. Maybe now is the time! LOL I thought it might be a squeeze but I’m also worried about the possibility losing chick(s) so I ordered a few extra

Your husband definitely needs to accept your demands.
And you may lose a few chicks. That often happens.

 

[gtaus]

I keep asking my husband to build me a new coop. Maybe now is the time! LOL I thought it might be a squeeze but I’m also worried about the possibility losing chick(s) so I ordered a few extra

You have a very nice setup. I don't think you would need to build a new coop for 2 more chickens. But if you are planning on continuing to increase your flock size, that may be a different discussion.

FWIW, I, too, order extra chicks in case I have any losses. Fortunately, I have not lost any chicks. But, over time, the chickens get older and I lost a few here and there over the years.

Frankly, for egg layers, I think I will be replacing the hens before their third winter. I tracked my egg collections and I hardly got any eggs their third winter. They still eat just as much food. So, Dear Wife and I decided that we will replace our older flock and not carry them into their third winter from now on. In your case, you could decide which chickens you want to carry over and which you want to replace, or not, to get to your desired flock size.

 

[gtaus]

Your husband definitely needs to accept your demands.

As the husband in my family, I would rather go along with a reasonable suggestion then give in to a demand! But Dear Wife usually ends up getting her way. Happy wife, happy life. Can't mess with the basics.

 

[aart]

We have a very large covered outdoor run

How big is "very large" in feet by feet?
Integration might be dicey too little space.
The weather proof run may save things next winter.

 

[Chold05]

How big is "very large" in feet by feet?
Integration might be dicey too little space.
The weather proof run may save things next winter.

If I remember correctly the run is 18x12