Coop capacity question

[Crimson Clover]

I have an 8x8 building and would like to know how many large breed hens could fit comfortably into it. I have the building now, and I have the chicks in their brooder... but I am falling into chicken math... I would like 15 hens but currently have 12. I just thought I would ask before I go get these other birds (3 welsomers) that I ALSO really want! And then, how many nesting boxes should I install? We haven't gotten to putting in the nesting boxes yet and just thought I would ask. I was thinking 6. Thoughts? Thank you!!

 

[azelgin]

Standard floor space answer around here is four square feet in the coop, ten in the run, per bird. Variables are where you live (climate), if you free range and others. Nest boxes are usually 1/6. but they'll probably pick out only half that number to actually use.

 

[Crimson Clover]

Okay, So I know I need to Stop now! lol. My hens will be free range with about 1/2 acre and have a 30x30 run. They are all cold hardy birds, welsummer, cochins, ameraucana's, laced Wyandotte and one black star. And correct me if I am wrong about that! I live in DE and we have had a rough winter but we usually look at 4 hard cold months a year, four mild months and four hot months...So am I okay with these 12 birds? or should I build onto my coop? Thank you so much for your input azeligin!

Standard floor space answer around here is four square feet in the coop, ten in the run, per bird. Variables are where you live (climate), if you free range and others. Nest boxes are usually 1/6. but they'll probably pick out only half that number to actually use.

 

[azelgin]

I think you're fine with twelve. Give it a try and see how well they handle the weather. If they spend most of the time out in the run, you might add to the flock next year. Mine free range 99.9% of the time. Of course, I'm in Arizona, but where I am, we get to zero and below, every other year. The sun will be out on those days, though, but so are the chickens. About the only thing that runs them inside is the wind. The winter passed us by this year and our low was only 10. I cram more chickens into my coops, than most people do, but some hens decide they would just as soon sleep on a perch in the run. My one run is partially roofed and the run is always open to the coop. They leave the coop at daylight and are out to free range, when we make it out there to feed the mules. They really only eat, sleep and lay in the coop. The rest of the time, they are outside.