Coop size questions

[Lukebotley]

I'm quite new to keeping chickens, we currently have 3 lohmans that are about 14 months old. We have had them for about 7 months. As I think is probably quite common we already want to expand the flock! At the moment we have a combined coop/run on the patio where the chickens spend the night and a 6’x4’ run on the grass for in the day. We are looking at increasing the run by an additional 14’x4’ and putting the coop inside as at the moment every time we go out in the day we put the chickens on the patio. When we extend we will put paving slabs down to stop the foxes being able to bury under. We are thinking of getting a Brahma and two silkie bantams to add to the flock, most likely from chicks. Firstly will that be enough space for all 6 chickens? Also what size coop will we need for them? How big will the door need to be to fit the Brahma through?

 

[rosemarythyme]

So to make sure I understand, the run would be 20x4 total which also includes the coop space? Would the new coop be elevated (so the birds could use space under it) or on the ground?

It *could* technically be big enough but especially with a ground level coop it'd be at the limit with 6. What you may have an issue with is:

1) The space is very narrow, which makes it more difficult if any chickens don't get along because there isn't enough room width wise for a picked on bird to put distance between them and another bird.
2) Integration of new birds really takes more room than minimum anyhow, for the above reasons.
3) You're hoping to mix sizes which can be problematic and once again, more space would likely help a lot with that.

Is there any way to make the chicken area wider as well as longer?

 

[Lukebotley]

Thanks for your reply. You are correct, it would be 20x4. We could go to 6’ wide for the extension so it would be 14x6 and 6x4. We were intending on elevating the coop. Do you think that would be enough?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for your reply. You are correct, it would be 20x4. We could go to 6’ wide for the extension so it would be 14x6 and 6x4. We were intending on elevating the coop. Do you think that would be enough?

It'd definitely help if you can go to 6'. It's "only" 2 feet more but not only does it give more sq ft overall but also provides more space for birds to squeeze pass one another in case there's a squabble, and it'd allow you to add some obstacles which can help a lot during integration.

One note with a coop that's elevated for chicken access (which is great for extra run space), consider adding some way to access the back side of the underside area, in case you have a bird that's sick or injured and hiding under there. Crawling to fit into a tiny space is no fun.

 

[Lukebotley]

Ok thanks we will go with 6’ wide. How much coop space would we need and how big of an entrance would be required for a Brahma?

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC @Lukebotley !
You've got some great advice already....
.....but knowing more about your coop and site would help,
pics are best and accurate dimensions too.

Oh, and.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Melky]

I'm quite new to keeping chickens, we currently have 3 lohmans that are about 14 months old. We have had them for about 7 months. As I think is probably quite common we already want to expand the flock! At the moment we have a combined coop/run on the patio where the chickens spend the night and a 6’x4’ run on the grass for in the day. We are looking at increasing the run by an additional 14’x4’ and putting the coop inside as at the moment every time we go out in the day we put the chickens on the patio. When we extend we will put paving slabs down to stop the foxes being able to bury under. We are thinking of getting a Brahma and two silkie bantams to add to the flock, most likely from chicks. Firstly will that be enough space for all 6 chickens? Also what size coop will we need for them? How big will the door need to be to fit the Brahma through?

Spacing guidelines are 4 sq ft per bird in the coop and 10 sq ft per bird in the run. If you have that should be good.

 

[aart]

Spacing guidelines are 4 sq ft per bird in the coop and 10 sq ft in the run. If you have that should be good.

Well...maybe.
Those are minimums...and far too small for some climates/situations.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need