Coop for 4 bantam hens and 2 standard

[Erin80]

I am hoping to get 4 bantam pullets this summer - and I'd like to also move my Icelandic hen and my Ameraucana hen in with them. They are lowest on the pecking order, and they are very peaceful sweet birds...I think they'd do better in a smaller flock with some banty's.

My husband will build the coop and run ( as soon as I can convince him that this is a great idea)...what size coop/run would you suggest? My two standard birds are not big....my Icelandic is a bit bigger than my silkies, and my ameraucana is small for her breed I'd say.

Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think you will find moving the meek birds will result in them suddenly becoming bullies. They will probably become top birds amongst bantams, which are more gentle generally, than you will have troubles putting them back with your original flock.

Not saying for sure this will be how it goes, but in general all chickens strive to be as far up the pecking order as possible, and the meek become strong often as situations and flock dynamics change.

If your set up is smaller than you may have more problems in a flock as chickens require a certain amount of territory or else they start to become aggressive and try to drive members out.

 

[Erin80]

Ah, ok. Maybe they will be better off being left where they are then. I might just do 4-6 bantams on their own.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Ah, ok. Maybe they will be better off being left where they are then. I might just do 4-6 bantams on their own.

That's what I would do. I have seen my bantams get chased and harassed by my large fowl, and I'm happy they can fall back to their coop, all safe and sound.