Coop expansion, upper coop access ideas?

[rosemarythyme]

Coop is currently 10sq feet (2.5x4), how much more space do you suggest I add for a total of 3 bantams, an Easter egger and a welsummer? 15-20 sq feet total?
Thank you!

For 5 (with 3 bantams) the minimum floor space would be 14 sq ft, though more would be better for integration purposes. Just make sure if you are going to expand the overall floor space via where your current access is that the new access doors still allow you to reach every corner of the coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

There is no realistic way to keep them as separate flocks with separate roosting areas within the same facility. You'd have to keep them separated by wire all the time, in the run as well as the coop.

If each large fowl bird needs 4 square feet of coop and each bantam needs 2 square feet of coop according to then your minimum is going to be 14 square feet. But you'll probably need more than that for successful integration.

Unfortunately for the idea of a 2-story coop, chickens simply don't stack for storage.

 

[member 615286]

There is no realistic way to keep them as separate flocks with separate roosting areas within the same facility. You'd have to keep them separated by wire all the time, in the run as well as the coop.

If each large fowl bird needs 4 square feet of coop and each bantam needs 2 square feet of coop according to then your minimum is going to be 14 square feet. But you'll probably need more than that for successful integration.

Unfortunately for the idea of a 2-story coop, chickens simply don't stack for storage.

I want to ensure I understand what you mean by needing to keep them separated at all times in the coop and run with wire…
I do not want to have two sepArate flocks. (Is this what your response was speaking to?), On the contrary I am working to integrate the 2 standards to the silkies flock of one.
My inquiry is regarding expanding the current coop to be bigger one should I add a couple bantams in the spring (which seems wise to keep her warm next winter? Any thoughts on this?), assuming the two standards will roost/not huddle with her.

I’m hearing the vertical/separate upper apartment addition won’t work. No stacking chickens lolThank you
I will keep brainstorming how to expand on the current bantam coop to be at lea at 20sq ft in the event I add a couple bantams

 

[3KillerBs]

I want to ensure I understand what you mean by needing to keep them separated at all times in the coop and run with wire…
I do not want to have two sepArate flocks. (Is this what your response was speaking to?), On the contrary I am working to integrate the 2 standards to the silkies flock of one.
Why inquiry is about expanding the current coop to be bigger should I add a couple bantams in the spring (which seems wise to keep her warm next winter?
Any thoughts on this?), assuming the two standards will roost/not huddle with her.

I’m hearing the vertical/separate upper apartment addition won’t work. No stacking chickens lolThank you
I will keep brainstorming how to expand on the current bantam coop to be at lea at 20sq ft in the event I add a couple bantams

To clarify,

In order to keep them from, once integrated, all roosting together in the same space, you would have to have two separated facilities. Therefore, you have to provide enough space in one area for the entire flock.

Once integrated properly, the bantams and the standards will act as one flock, spending the days together and roosting together at night.

Sorry if what I said was confusing.

Here are some useful articles on integration:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[member 615286]

To clarify,

In order to keep them from, once integrated, all roosting together in the same space, you would have to have two separated facilities. Therefore, you have to provide enough space in one area for the entire flock.

Once integrated properly, the bantams and the standards will act as one flock, spending the days together and roosting together at night.

Sorry if what I said was confusing.

Here are some useful articles on integration:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

Got it!
They’ve been sharing a space in the garage with the current temps but sleeping separately

The silkie won’t roost tho, and why I’d like to add another couple bantams(?)

 

[3KillerBs]

Got it!
They’ve been sharing a space in the garage with the current temps but sleeping separately

The silkie won’t roost tho, and why I’d like to add another couple bantams(?)

I'm not very familiar with Silkies, but I have read that they sometimes roost if given a not-too-steep ramp to walk up.

I had a floor-sleeping Brahma -- too heavy to fly up to the roost in their old coop -- who had to be taught to walk up to the roost. I'd pick her up out of her floor nest and walk her up the roost, bouncing her feet off it as I lifted her.

After about 3 days she got the idea and walked up on her own at dusk.

 

[member 615286]

I'm not very familiar with Silkies, but I have read that they sometimes roost if given a not-too-steep ramp to walk up.

I had a floor-sleeping Brahma -- too heavy to fly up to the roost in their old coop -- who had to be taught to walk up to the roost. I'd pick her up out of her floor nest and walk her up the roost, bouncing her feet off it as I lifted her.

After about 3 days she got the idea and walked up on her own at dusk.

She won’t roost lol
she’s been given all the options
ive tried placing her on them… she jumps right off