Chicken coop for 4 hens?

[LaMissa1]

Hello! So I saw a thread last night where someone was asking about a specific coop and if it’s any good. Happens to be the one I got from tractor supply! The description said it could have a maximum of 6 chickens. I was smart enough to look at it and tell that it most certainly could not hold that many, but I have 4 growing chicks, so I figured that it would work for them.
Well, all of the comments were like, “that tiny thing looks like it will hold only 2 chickens at best!” “toss that thing out and get something new!” Maybe these people meant well, but I couldn’t help feeling like an idiot, and I’m mad that so many manufacturers would lie about this! Is it really true? Can I not use this coop for my 4 chickens? I can’t just toss this out. I spent around $300 for this! I feel so stupid when I’ve worked hard to get my yard and some space all ready for my adorable chicks to grow up and take care of them. I thought I had researched well enough, but I guess not. I thought I could trust what the description says in the product, but I guess not. My friend Has 3 chickens who have a coop around this size and I naively thought my 4 would be okay in it.
What do I do now? I’m not too thrilled at the idea of spending more money on this project. But I do want to take good care of my chickens. Any *kind* advice? Oh, I have 2 barred rocks and 2 golden sex links.
Here’s the link to my coop. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...eMMSYyhduux_eG3DOmEPVzEIgX9NU48xoCsLoQAvD_BwE

 

[cherrynberry]

Hello! So I saw a thread last night where someone was asking about a specific coop and if it’s any good. Happens to be the one I got from tractor supply! The description said it could have a maximum of 6 chickens. I was smart enough to look at it and tell that it most certainly could not hold that many, but I have 4 growing chicks, so I figured that it would work for them.
Well, all of the comments were like, “that tiny thing looks like it will hold only 2 chickens at best!” “toss that this out and get something new!” Maybe these people meant well, but I couldn’t help feeling like an idiot, and I’m mad that so many manufacturers would lie about this! Is it really true? Can I not use this coop for my 4 chickens? I can’t just toss this out. I spent around $300 for this! I feel so stupid when I’ve worked hard to get my yard and some space all ready for my adorable chicks to grow up and take care of them. I thought I had researched well enough, but I guess not. I thought I could trust what the description says in the product, but I guess not. My friend Has 3 chickens who have a coop around this size and I naively thought my 4 would be okay in it.
What do I do now? I’m not too thrilled at the idea of spending more money on this project. But I do want to take good care of my chickens. Any *kind* advice?
Here’s the link to my coop. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...eMMSYyhduux_eG3DOmEPVzEIgX9NU48xoCsLoQAvD_BwE

The coop you got is suitable for 2-3 chickens...could you possible build a larger coop? Also, for 3 chickens it is also a little small. However, could you free range them?

 

[Jenessa_09]

Well it matters if they are just going to be sleeping there and free ranging, or being in there full time.

 

[cherrynberry]

The coop you got is suitable for 2-3 chickens...could you possible build a larger coop? Also, for chickens it is also a little small. However, could you free range them?

I am asking, because they need 4 sq. feet per chicken in the coop and 10sq. feet in the run, so if you free range them, they will have more chicken "run" space.


Edit: Are you possibly going to get more chickens in the future? If so, getting a larger coop now is probably a good choice as well.

 

[LaMissa1]

I have this area in The picture fenced off for my chickens. I was planning to just let them roam around that space during the day as they wish once they aren’t little anymore (those old Darden boxes will have grass and weeds in them by the way). While they’re little I was planning on letting them just use the run that came with the coop. I think they’ll mostly just sleep and lay eggs in the coop.
it can get pretty cold here in the winter though. It is super rare, like as in never happens, for it to get below zero, but it does get cold. I live in idaho if that helps. Will they need the coop to stay in when it gets cold or do they still enjoy going outside?

Well it matters if they are just going to be sleeping there and free ranging, or being in there full time.

The coop you got is suitable for 2-3 chickens...could you possible build a larger coop? Also, for 3 chickens it is also a little small. However, could you free range them?

 

[LaMissa1]

I am asking, because they need 4 sq. feet per chicken in the coop and 10sq. feet in the run, so if you free range them, they will have more chicken "run" space.


Edit: Are you possibly going to get more chickens in the future? If so, getting a larger coop now is probably a good choice as well.

I’m not planning on getting more. I’m in the suburbs. I originally only wanted 2, then I was told 3 was better so they don’t get lonely, then got 4 chicks just in case something unexpected happened (like a cockerel, or one of them died somehow).

 

[Jenessa_09]

I have this area in The picture fenced off for my chickens. I was planning to just let them roam around that space during the day as they wish once they aren’t little anymore (those old Darden boxes will have grass and weeds in them by the way). While they’re little I was planning on letting them just use the run that came with the coop. I think they’ll mostly just sleep and lay eggs in the coop.
it can get pretty cold here in the winter though. It is super rare, like as in never happens, for it to get below zero, but it does get cold. I live in idaho if that helps. Will they need the coop to stay in when it gets cold or do they still enjoy going outside?

That’s a big space! Both of your breeds are cold hardy! I think they will be fine!!

 

[LaMissa1]

That’s a big space! Both of your breeds are cold hardy! I think they will be fine!!

Well that’s relieving to hear! I suppose we could always just try it out and see how it goes. Make adjustments if any issues come up. Thank you for your input!

 

[cherrynberry]

Well that’s relieving to hear! I suppose we could always just try it out and see how it goes. Make adjustments if any issues come up. Thank you for your input!

I agree! That is a really beautiful habitat you have there, very lucky chickens! I would just make sure to let them out everyday so they are not cooped up...

 

[LaMissa1]

That’s a big space! Both of your breeds are cold hardy! I think they will be fine!!

I agree! That is a really beautiful habitat you have there, very lucky chickens! I would just make sure to let them out everyday so they are not cooped up...

Thank you so much you two! I’m starting to feel a bit better about it all (and less stupid haha!)