Coop big enough for 8 chickens?

[Faife6]

I already have 3 chicks who are almost ready to go outside and I will be getting 5 more silver laced wyandottes this Wednesday. I'm new to this. So maybe you guys can help me with my question.

Instead of building a coop, I was going to buy one. The measurements are:

• Overall coop dimensions: 64L x 39.25W x 44.5H inches
• Overall nesting box dimensions: 28.75W x 11.75D x 23-27H inches
• Coop upper doors each: 13.75W x 14.75H inches
• Coop bottom doors each: 13.75W x 8.75H inches
• Nesting box door: 25W x 5H inches
• Storage door at bottom of nesting box each: 12.25W x 12.75H inches
• Nesting box interior each section: 13W x 11D x 7.75 to 12H inches
• Storage area interior, bottom of nesting box: 26W x 10.75D x 13H inches
• Nexting box opening: 8.5W x 5-8.5H inches
• Enclosed house: 30.5W x 26.75D x 43H (to peak of roof) inches
• Pen door: 24W x 29H inches
• Pen inside ramp:25.5L inches
• Pen length: 60L x 24W inches

While I am learning, I'm still pretty new at raising chickens and I would really like my chickens to have a nice place to stay. So, if one of you guys who is more experienced then me, can tell me if this coop would be big enough for 8 chickens, that would be wonderful. I've read they need at least 3 nesting boxes, which this coop has, but I'm a little worried about the run space. My chickens will be free range most of the time, but they will be inside their coop while I'm at work for safety reasons. Thank you guys!

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I am confused by all of these different measurements. Without a picture I am not sure what this looks like but it seems very small. How many birds is it telling you can fit? Is the pin the run area? Is it only 5 ft by 2 ft? Or am I reading that wrong? If this is the case then it is enough room for one bird.

The general rule of thumb is that you need about 4 sq ft of space per bird in the coop and 10 sq feet of space per bird in the run if they are going to be shut in for any length of time. This is ground space not cubic space. 10-12 inches of space per bird on the roost. 1 nest box for every 4 birds.

The coop is looking like it is about 6ft by 2ft? If that is the case it is looking like enough space inside for about 3 birds if you modified the run.

 

[Quailsong]

I agree. The saying 'A picture is worth 1000 words" rings true for this case. If you can get a pic of the coop with an easy to compare reference item (say, a sweeping broom) then we're more likely to be able to help give our thoughts.

 

[CedarAcres]

For 8 birds, you need 32 sq ft of space inside the coop (a 4x8ft coop) & 80 sq ft outside their outdoor run. But extra space is always better. More space = happier chickens!

 

[Faife6]

http://www.chickencoopsource.com/chicken-coops/chicken-coops/habitatscottagechickencoop.cfm

Unfortunately for some reason I seem unable to download the other angles of this coop, but I did attach the link. The problem is, I don't have a lot of time nor money to spend on a massive, $1500 structure. As much as I wish I had that kind of money to spend on a coop alone, it's just not a possibility for us. My fiance and I are also growing our own veggies and such, but like I said, chickens are a totally new thing for us. We've talked about building our own coop, but it seems (after all my research) it's impossible to have a decent looking coop for less than a grand. It's a little disheartening. If anyone has any ideas for a coop that isn't a complete eye sore, but also isn't going to break the bank, I would be very grateful. I've been looking at the chicken coops on this website and my mind is just blown on how some of the (what seem to be) simplest structures are 1500 dollars and up.

 

[JackE]

Yeah, things can get expensive quick, especially these days. The coop you are talking about here would be kinda tight for 8 birds. Chickens can get nasty to each other if overcrowded. Not to mention the whole other mess of problems that can come with an overcrowded coop in wintertime. Maybe you can find an old shed on Craigslist, or something. You get an old shed, fix it up inside,add some proper ventilation, slap some paint on it, and you're in business.
Jack

 

[Mtn Laurel]

Just read the reviews for the coop on the web page and they aren't very complimentary. One review states that it's too small for 8 full sized birds.

I'm with JackE. Check Craigslist and see if you can find an old shed you can fix up. I think you - and your chickens - will be much happier in the long run.

 

[Faife6]

Yes, I just saw those as well. Ugh! I'm starting to feel that I'm in way over my head here. I will definitely check craigslist. Another question, how do you guys feel about coop kits and buying online?
Is it better to build your own coops? Is it often cheaper or more expensive? I was talking to a friend who's had chickens and he told me it would be more expensive to build on then buy one, now I'm not so sure. Thank you all for your help so far.

 

[Quailsong]

I agree with the other posters. The main things for a chicken coop (not including feed essentials) is space per bird (some say 1 bird/4sq', others go higher), enough perch space, a nest box, ventilation (lots w/o drafts), predator proof & insulation (more or less depending on climate). Light is important but you can give that when you include a run.

Everything else imo is really just decoration - so don't be afraid to repurpose an old shed, or whatever. Some folks have even repurposed the outside skin of a vehicle. For fun, you could spend an afternoon thinking of random containers & ask yourself some questions like "Can some chickens live in there? Would it be cozy year-round? Can I access everything without breaking my back?"

Best of luck!^^

 

[Quailsong]

Yes, I just saw those as well. Ugh! I'm starting to feel that I'm in way over my head here. I will definitely check craigslist. Another question, how do you guys feel about coop kits and buying online?
Is it better to build your own coops? Is it often cheaper or more expensive? I was talking to a friend who's had chickens and he told me it would be more expensive to build on then buy one, now I'm not so sure. Thank you all for your help so far.

Here's a link of a guy who built a coop for $40 (with recycled parts). That's much cheaper than any store-bought one I've seen online. And larger as well.