RCRanchGirl
In the Brooder
- May 29, 2025
- 4
- 15
- 26
I have a few questions:
First, I currently have 5 older chickens in my flock. I also have 8 chicks that are 7–8 weeks old that I’d like to integrate. They’ve been in the chicken run in a separate pen (safe but visible to the older birds) for about 2 weeks. How much longer do I need to wait before mixing the groups? The curiosity factor seems to have worn off for my older gals, and the chicks are quickly outgrowing their pen. I read that I need to wait until they’re 15 weeks old—is that true? I can’t remember if I waited that long the last time I did this.
Second, I need to upgrade some things in my current coop. I need to install more roosting bars and add more nesting boxes. In total (before I remove what I think are 5 roosters—so I expect to have around 13 hens), I’ll have 18 chickens. How many nesting boxes do I really need, and how much perch space?
Third, I’d like to maximize their run space. Unfortunately, I can’t let them out every day—most days, but not every. Does building vertical structures help give them more space? My coop is about 10 feet tall. I was thinking about creating different levels they can climb onto to walk around and play.
What’s the ideal space size per hen?
I know that’s a lot
—thank you for taking the time to read and give your input! I’m just trying to keep my chickens as happy and healthy as possible with the space I have.
First, I currently have 5 older chickens in my flock. I also have 8 chicks that are 7–8 weeks old that I’d like to integrate. They’ve been in the chicken run in a separate pen (safe but visible to the older birds) for about 2 weeks. How much longer do I need to wait before mixing the groups? The curiosity factor seems to have worn off for my older gals, and the chicks are quickly outgrowing their pen. I read that I need to wait until they’re 15 weeks old—is that true? I can’t remember if I waited that long the last time I did this.
Second, I need to upgrade some things in my current coop. I need to install more roosting bars and add more nesting boxes. In total (before I remove what I think are 5 roosters—so I expect to have around 13 hens), I’ll have 18 chickens. How many nesting boxes do I really need, and how much perch space?
Third, I’d like to maximize their run space. Unfortunately, I can’t let them out every day—most days, but not every. Does building vertical structures help give them more space? My coop is about 10 feet tall. I was thinking about creating different levels they can climb onto to walk around and play.
What’s the ideal space size per hen?
I know that’s a lot
—thank you for taking the time to read and give your input! I’m just trying to keep my chickens as happy and healthy as possible with the space I have.
