Available space...just thinking out loud....

[mimischicksnat]

So, the coop is 10' x 16'. Roosts are set. Fan in place. No nest boxes yet as they are still only 6 weeks and 1 week old.

We just set the posts for the run and the area is 40' x 40'.

That means that my 26 hens should be pretty happy once all is said and done, yes? And that I can control myself not to get any more even though I actually have room for more?

 

[Judy]

Oh, but they will be so happy to have all that space! I am down to 8 in more space than that, and they use every bit of their home!

 

[mimischicksnat]

Oh, but they will be so happy to have all that space! I am down to 8 in more space than that, and they use every bit of their home!

I am trying really hard not to get in the mind set that I do have space for more so I should get more.

I want them to be comfortable and not cramped. I have to subdue my selfish side.

 

[donrae]

How lovely for your birds!

That's even enough space you could cross fence it and alternate the side they go on, to keep the vegetation from being destroyed.

 

[mimischicksnat]

That's what I tried to explain to hubs but he doesn't quite see the same picture in his head for dividing the yard as I do...

 

[Judy]

I am trying really hard not to get in the mind set that I do have space for more so I should get more.

I want them to be comfortable and not cramped. I have to subdue my selfish side.

People here often talk about wanting more, more.... but really, if you are getting all the eggs you want, and don't plan to sell birds or eggs, why? They love the space and freedom, and it's as much fun to watch 8 as 50, I promise. It's such a pleasure to see that they have plenty of room -- and it's so much easier to keep them clean, too. I never do anything to their yard but mow the weeds down a few times a year, and only change out the litter in the coop once a year. There is so much space that the poop dries up and sifts down, with only an occasional addition of pine shavings or hay, a stir or two if they dont take care of that for me, and maybe a little pelletized lime. You might enjoy this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

 

[mimischicksnat]

People here often talk about wanting more, more.... but really, if you are getting all the eggs you want, and don't plan to sell birds or eggs, why?  They love the space and freedom, and it's as much fun to watch 8 as 50, I promise.  It's such a pleasure to see that they have plenty of room -- and it's so much easier to keep them clean, too.  I never do anything to their yard but mow the weeds down a few times a year, and only change out the litter in the coop once a year.  There is so much space that the poop dries up and sifts down, with only an occasional addition of pine shavings or hay, a stir or two if they dont take care of that for me, and maybe a little pelletized lime.  You might enjoy this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

I have plans for a little area with a couple of chairs and a little table and spend my evenings after all the chores are done just sit tin' and watch in'.

 

[donrae]

People here often talk about wanting more, more.... but really, if you are getting all the eggs you want, and don't plan to sell birds or eggs, why? They love the space and freedom, and it's as much fun to watch 8 as 50, I promise. It's such a pleasure to see that they have plenty of room -- and it's so much easier to keep them clean, too. I never do anything to their yard but mow the weeds down a few times a year, and only change out the litter in the coop once a year. There is so much space that the poop dries up and sifts down, with only an occasional addition of pine shavings or hay, a stir or two if they dont take care of that for me, and maybe a little pelletized lime. You might enjoy this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

This!