Coop/Run Size and mixing breeds

[storm98]

Hello all. I purchased two Rhode Island Red Chicks from Tractor supply about 5 weeks ago. I have been working on building a coop for them but was slowed by hurricane Irma and the damage it caused. I have just completed the coop and it has about 9 square feet of space, one roost, and two 12x12x12 nesting boxes. I live in florida so it is often hot and humid. I am considering buying one or two silkie chicks to add to my flock and wanted advice on the process. I am still debating whether to clip wings and let them free-range, or to keep them in an enclosed run. I would really appreciate any feedback and advice. from what I have read, my current coop is too small for four or even three chickens, but I watched a video on youtube and someone built a 38x42 inch chicken coop and had 6 birds in it and said there was room for more. thanks again in advance

Storm

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do not mix silkies with hatchery RIR, it won't go well. I would keep silkies separately or only with other gentle bantam breeds.

Recommended minimum square footage for chickens is too small. It's used more in production birds whose beaks are trimmed. Always give chickens as much room as possible. Crowding causes aggression. 9 square feet is a 3x3 area, not much room.
Since you are in Florida you may not need an actual coop. A 3 sided shed would work well if the run is secure.

 

[storm98]

would my 3x3 coop suffice for my RIRs or silkies? would I be able to put the RIRs in the coop now and move them to a larger coop and put the silkies in there when i get them? I may be wrong, but think a coop is necessary as there are quite a few raccoons and stray cats in the area because I live near woods.

 

[storm98]

Do not mix silkies with hatchery RIR, it won't go well. I would keep silkies separately or only with other gentle bantam breeds.

Recommended minimum square footage for chickens is too small. It's used more in production birds whose beaks are trimmed. Always give chickens as much room as possible. Crowding causes aggression. 9 square feet is a 3x3 area, not much room.
Since you are in Florida you may not need an actual coop. A 3 sided shed would work well if the run is secure.

would my 3x3 coop suffice for my RIRs or silkies? would I be able to put the RIRs in the coop now and move them to a larger coop and put the silkies in there when i get them? I may be wrong, but think a coop is necessary as there are quite a few raccoons and stray cats in the area because I live near woods.

I am sorry for multiple posts, i have never posted in a forum before

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your coop might be okay for the 2 RIR or a trio of silkies. It will be tight when you lock them in, especially the RIR which are more active than silkies.

@aart is good with coop dimensions. @21hens-incharge is also good with coops, hopefully they and others will pop in and help out more.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Oh dear.....

RIR are more active, more dominant, more aggressive, bigger and have normal feathers. These things spell trouble for silkies even in a big coop. Not to mention silkies have that poof that makes seeing an aggressor very difficult.

I very strongly caution you against mixing those breeds.

That being said your coop will work as a grow out coop, quarantine coop, segregation coop etc but not for a long term occupancy coop for even 2 birds. There simply is not enough space.

Think of it this way......
Person A is in a bad mood and prone to hitting others.
Person B is smaller and wears glasses.
Now picture them confined in a bathroom. Person B has no way to get away from person A. Not so much fun for person B.

Now same people but confined inside the whole house. Person B has lots of places to go to be away from person A. Still not fun but certainly better.

I say hold off on getting more birds. Build another coop. Make it at least 4x8 and then add only birds that are of similar temperament to what you already have.

I know it sounds harsh but so is going out to gather eggs finding your dear little silkie has been pecked to death.

That's my 2 cents.