Coop for 30 chickens

[Dogsothoth]

Welcome to BYC. Where, in general, are you? Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

I don't have a coop page yet for Neuchickenstein, which is 16x16 in an Open Air style, but here's the build thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/large-open-air-coop-in-central-nc.1443812/

And this article has extensive photos: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

I haven't done the math for 30, but I have 23 adults and some juveniles in there right now and had 40+ of mixed adults and juveniles last fall.

20 hens

• 80 square feet in the coop. 8'x10' is the most practical because 7'x12' or 6'x14' require a lot of weird cuts.
• 20 feet of roost
• 200 square feet in the run. 10'x20', 12'x16' or 8'x25' as suits the land available.
• 20 square feet of ventilation.
• 5 nest boxes.

The Usual Guideline numbers break down some when dealing with large flocks in large spaces. From a behavioral standpoint, the larger the coop/run the less space an individual chicken needs because there is so much more overall space where it can get away from bullies and freely engage in such natural behaviors as perching, foraging, dust bathing, etc. without interference from other flock members. But increasing flock density still comes with problems in the areas of sanitation, over-grazing, and the like since an individual chicken still eats the same amount and produces the same amount of waste.

I am in Ohio, it gets cold. Very cold. My coop has amaaaazing ventilation, hah.... as in, it’s cold in winter. But great for summer. My chickens have never been distressed in winter though, at least! I had a baby goat born Sunday & I had to bring them in because it was too drafty. I made a makeshift stall in the clean coop because it was a surprise baby...


My biggest worries are the risk of pasture going bare, fights when I introduce the new chicks, and poop overload lol. I hate cleaning frequently in winter.

If I happen to notice any issues that affect the happiness & health of my chickens, I’ll be rehoming some until I hit the perfect number.

I’m currently growing alfalfa in the field they’ll be in, I have the 9 hens locked inside because it’s terrible muddy... and my other 16 chicks in my closet in a brooder

 

[3KillerBs]

My chickens have never been distressed in winter though, at least!

Those built-in down parkas are amazing.