Coop for 26

[Fresh Eggs]

Hi all,



I was wondering if a coop that was 6x6 would be big enough to fit at least 26 standard layers. Also, is linoluim type flooring for a coop better than wood???



Thanks,


Fresh Eggs

 

[Chix-in-GA]

Only my opinion...but that is a bit small for 26 birds.

even if you went on the low side of 2 sq ft per bird...you would have room for 18.

Again, only my opinion

 

[speckledhen]

Nope, IMO, you need at least a 10x10 coop for that many layers of the heavier breeds. For all bantams, sure, 6x6 might work.

 

[Fresh Eggs]

Thank You for the opinions, I am open to any ideas. They have a very big run that will be used, so I was thinking only big enough for sleep/ egg laying and the rest of the space in the coop would be outside.

 

[speckledhen]

Mine freerange most of every day and I have about 45 in an 8x20 coop. Even then, at 4 sf per bird, it's hard to keep the ammonia down when they have to be inside due to really bad weather. The more crowded, the more ventilation space you need.

 

[TaLani]

Agree with all of the above comments as well. I personally wouldn't have anything but linolium on the floor. It's the easiest way to do a quick clean up and disinfect for us anyway.

 

[Fresh Eggs]

Do any of you guys know where you can access free coop plans? I cant find any anywhere!

 

[speckledhen]

Have you looked at our coops pages on the link above? If you access under Large Coops my own original coop, the Clutch Hutch, there is a link on my page to about six or seven construction photos. That one is a simple design, 8x8. We added 12' later on.


Very top of the page, Coop Designs.

 

[waynesgarden]

You don't say where you're located. A coop that size might work for 26 Florida birds with a large secure run that only need a place to roost and lay eggs. But if they were forced to spend any amount of time indoors during a Maine winter in a coop that size, it would be cruel.

I'd keep 9 birds in that space here in Maine. And even then, I'd maximize floor space by raising nest boxes high enough they could walk below.

Wayne

 

[Fresh Eggs]

We live in the bay area.... the coolest temps have frost and rain. We are inland a few miles, about an hour away from the ocean.