Coop/Run Size for Adult Pearl Grey Gunieas

[WCReloaded]

I have a 7'x3'x3' coop and I was wondering if that would be big enough to keep my guineas in during night and winter (they will still free range in the winter)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

WCR

 

[Naunnie]

How many Guineas do you have? Guineas like to roost up high at night.

 

[JLeigh]

I have a 7'x3'x3' coop and I was wondering if that would be big enough to keep my guineas in during night and winter (they will still free range in the winter)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

WCR

Need more info on how the coop is sits. Is it 7 ft tall x 3 ft wide x 3 ft long (sort of like an outhouse?) Is it 7 ft long x 3 wide x 3 high (sort of like a long rabbit hutch)? Does it sit on the ground or is it a few feet up off the ground? Those things make a difference. And, as Naunnie asked, how many guineas do you have?

I'm a huge advocate of providing more than the minimum space required for birds. They stay happier and healthier so I'm always going to recommend more than the minimum, but if all they're going to do is roost in it, then they don't need a lot of space - maybe 2.5 sq. ft. of floor space per bird. Example: 10 birds would need a 5 wide x 5 long coop (about six feet tall would be nice).

 

[WCReloaded]

It is 7ft long 3ft wide and 3ft tall with 2ft legs.

WCR

 

[JLeigh]

I wouldn't put more than 5 or 6 birds in there because of the 3 ft. height of the coop itself. That doesn't give them a lot of head room, and I'm wondering if that would discourage them from going into the coop. But I'm not sure - I don't have experience with a 3 ft. high coop. For all I know they may love it LOL. Technically, you could put 10 birds in and have 2.1 sq. ft. per bird for roosting.

How many guineas do you have? That would be helpful information.

Remember, I'm the "More Space is Better" police, so my advice is biased. Others may have experience with a coop like yours and can offer better advice.

 

[PeepsCA]

Guineas need 4 sq ft of floor space per bird in a coop, minimum... and roosting space should be plentiful, but if they don't have the floor space they need it won't matter how much roosting space you have, the Guineas won't be happy or comfortable. They don't like over crowded cramped shelters.

7 ft x 3 ft= 21 sq ft, divided by 4 sq ft per bird = room for no more than 4 birds in a coop that small. Then you have to deal with getting them to go into something that small each night and not head for the trees instead. Guineas prefer plenty of space.

 

[JLeigh]

I read "somewhere" (famous last words) that the minimum was 2 sq. ft. per bird.

That seemed WAY too small to me, so I agree Peeps - 100%. My birds have about 14.4 sq ft each in the two coops alone (they all share) and 40 sq. ft per bird in the coops/pen area combined. Not only can I add a bird or two and still boast, but they're happy. I won't write "2" ever again.

Edit: bad math...mine have 7.5 sq. ft in the coops, but still 40 in the pens. Husband usually checks my math before I post LOL.

 

[WCReloaded]

I wouldn't put more than 5 or 6 birds in there because of the 3 ft. height of the coop itself. That doesn't give them a lot of head room, and I'm wondering if that would discourage them from going into the coop. But I'm not sure - I don't have experience with a 3 ft. high coop. For all I know they may love it LOL. Technically, you could put 10 birds in and have 2.1 sq. ft. per bird for roosting.

How many guineas do you have? That would be helpful information.

Remember, I'm the "More Space is Better" police, so my advice is biased. Others may have experience with a coop like yours and can offer better advice.

I have 12 Pearl Grey Guineas

WCR

 

[JLeigh]

WCR, we were posting at the same time. See my post right above yours, and see PeepsCA's right above mine. You need a bigger coop

.

 

[WCReloaded]

I just plan to put them in there at night. Would that change anything?

WCR