Chicken Math

[7KardashiHens]

What is the absolute minimum ratio of roosterns? And if I have a 8ft(L)x4ft(W)x5ft(H) coop, with 3 nesting boxes, (3) 4ft-wide roosts, and a 12ft x 8ft run, how many chickens can comfortably occupy it? (They will be able to free-range on most days). I currently have 5 pullets and 1 cockerel that I'd like to keep, but not sure if a 5:1 ratio is too small/ if I get more pullets, how many I can reasonably get. Gotta love chicken math!

 

[Wynette]

If you read chicken books...they will say you have room enough for a few more pullets; personally, though, I'd stop where you are. I never go more than 8 to 1, hens to cock bird. Any more than 8 and he may find it difficult to cover them all. THe more room they have, the happier and healthier they will be.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I second Wynette's assessment, if you go over 8 to 1 your cock will wear himself out quickly. We figure on 4 sq. ft. per bird in the coop and 12 sq. ft. per bird for the run. We also free range our birds when we are at home. Our numbers are all based on happy, healthy birds with plenty of space so they don't get into as many squabbles as they would if "cooped up".

 

[7KardashiHens]

Ok thank you both! I was thinking the girls might get more worn out than the boy

. I'm glad my ratio is good.