Coop Space

[foamspoon]

Ok, I have had six RIRs for about three years in a 4 x 4 dog/house coop. It has been more then fine as they free range during the day and NEVER spend time in the coop except to sleep. Well over the time I have lost three and I now have three. I have six new chicks that are ready to go outside full time. Do you think I can get by with the nine chicks in a 4 x 4 coop at night only? There is plenty of roosting space for all the chickens to sleep.

Bryan

 

[chuckzoo]

Mine also only sleep in the coop. I have read that you should provide 1ft of roost space for each chicken. It also depends a lot on your climate. In the summer mine will sit on the roast and in the winter they will sit on the straw for warmth.

Another thing to consider is adequate ventilation. Since 9 chickens can give of quite a bit of heat and ammonia. Patandchickens has written an exellent page on ventilation.