Building new coop and want to make sure i'm not crowding

[HSerChickLady]

We're going to be building a second coop this spring for a second batch of chicks but i'm not sure how many i can comfortably fit in there? It will be an 8' x 8' coop with a 12' x 12' run attached. I have 10 in this size currently and they have more than enough room. So in the new coop of this same size how many do you think i could comfortably fit? We're thinking 15 would be good, but not sure. The new coop will be all hens, and at least RI Reds, Ameraucanas, and Barred Rocks for inhabitants.

 

[nurse_turtle]

12-14 standard size chickens should fit comfortably in there. So now you start making plans for your 3rd coop.

 

[HSerChickLady]

We are actually. lol! We're getting ducks too this year. But that's the limit my DH told me. Guess we'll see.

 

[redhotchick]

Smaller coop and larger yard is what i always say. They are animals and like to be outside.

 

[Alexia]

Smaller coop and larger yard is what i always say. They are animals and like to be outside.

I totally agree with that. Mine only go inside the coop and lay eggs and sleep at night. So the size of the coop is not as important as the size on the yard/run

 

[HSerChickLady]

Good to know. Runs are cheaper to build than coops and that's really where our constraints lie. My DH will be glad to know that. I'd rather they are cozy on winter nights and have lots of room to play during the day.