Adding a 8x14 run to a 8x8coop

[Dave24319]

I hope to add a few more birds to the family once I have it done. I'm wondering how many more birds would be ok for the space. I have 5 Golden Pullets and one Rooster,I'd like to add maybe 7 more hens --DO I have the room? If not --How many more hens could I get and all be well --you think??

I have been reading on this and I know I'll need to add roost for sure,And I'm thinking I might rearange some inside the coop too,To make it work better.

I've really enjoyed the *Girls* as I call them and hope to maybe raise some little ones to sale here this summer also.

Any Help Much Appreciated!
Thanks
Dave

 

[Zahboo]

Your coop is big enough for 16. your run is big enough for 14 MAX.

 

[Mahonri]

You could easily fit 20 birds there.

 

[Zahboo]

Quote:
20 birds in an 8x8? That's only 3.2 per bird, and there is still feeder and waterer to be calculated in. And TECHNICALLY the run is only big enough for 11-12 hens.

Standards need 4 sq feet inside the coop, 10 sq feet for the run, although some use 8.

 

[cmom]

Are you going to free range them any? I think you will be fine. I have seen many coops and runs that have several chickens in less space than your will be. I fenced in a chicken yard off of the run. There are pictures on my BYC Page.

 

[patandchickens]

Remember there is not any one magic number, below which something awful will surely happen and above which you are guaranteed smooth sailing. It is a continuum. The more space you give them, the better your odds of avoiding pecking and cannibalism. Personal choice where on that continuum you want to be.

I think it depends in part how sheltered the run site is, and how seriously up in the mts you are. I know the winters in the mts above Blacksburg, which is probably in the general vague vicinity of you, can be Nasty; OTOH in a sheltered spot in a valley it is not as bad. The more you can give the chickens a protected run that they will feel chipper about actually USING during ugly winter weather, the more of a margin of error you are likely to have on coop space.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Dave24319]

Thanks alot for the replys--Really Appreciate it. After reading them and all,I think for the good of the *Girls* I'll get No more then 4 more for total of 9 hens and 1 rooster. Now to find them here close by me!

Dave