Can someone please help me with this?

[connerscroft]

So I have a 13.5 x 5.5 coop with an open ceiling (about 10 foot tall). The attached run is 24 x 14. I also let my chickens free range for at least half a day. What is the max number of chickens that I can comfortably keep? I would really like to get some more, but I do not want to overdo it. Thanks!

 

[connerscroft]

Anybody?

 

[Mrs. K]

Quite a few, I think. I think the rule of thumb is 2 square feet for the coop, and 4 square feet for the run? If you free range you can squeeze a bit more in during the summer, but with winter, if you have hard winters, you need a bit more protected space.

mk

 

[Mrs. K]

Also, this is a rule of thumb, I have found that you kind of get a sense on the maximum number of hens, and comfort levels. I have had 12, but really do better with 8-10. They are happier.

MrsK

 

[Southernbelle]

You want to provide 4 sq ft/bird in the coop; 10 sq ft/bird in the run, so:

(13.5x5.5)/4sq ft/bird = 18 chickens

(24x14)/10 sq ft/bird = 33 chickens

Go with the lowest number, so your set up can hold about 18 chickens.

 

[Imp]

The rule of thumb is 4 sf per bird in the coop and 10 sf per bird in the run. It can vary depending on free ranging and size of the chickens.
So you are looking at:

18 LF in the coop. Run is plenty large enough

Imp

I knew as I was typing that several people would type faster.

 

[bryan99705]

The recommended space is 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run.

 

[connerscroft]

I appreciate all the help!