Hello all, I'm new to BYC. I am designing my first chicken coop and run.. This may or may not be a stupid question. As far as egg laying is there such a thing as to much space? Im planning on having 6-8 hens in a 8x4 coop and a 10x10 run. Is this suitable or should I go bigger or smaller with either one?? Also does anyone have any suggestions on what feed/health products to use?
They both sound nice to me! I always like to make a slightly larger run then is asked for, but that's just my preference. the coop sounds plenty large. I think you are good to go! as for feed, I just get what my local feed store sells, I've heard good stuff about layena though.
I think your right about where you should be perfect size for that amount of birds you could house 10 birds in that size area just fine.. i know there people that will tell you a recommended spuare footage per bird but im sure you will be fine.
12' x 12" space is widely used as an egg laying space if that is what you are asking. You can make them 12-16" high. This size space gives them privacy and a perfect size cozy nest. The bigger the better with the coop size. You can always section the interior as needed.
Thanks so much for the feed back... I think ill keep the 8x4 coop and do 2 nesting areas built out from the 4' sides making the total 8'x6' and put 3 nesting areas in each "build out" for a total of 6 nesting box's. Thanks so much guys and gals!
