Creative solutions to limited space

[NJDrew]

We bought our coop/run earlier in the year which seemed to be plenty big enough for the chikens we had. After some time though it became apparent that they were a bit cramped and wanted more space. Like many others we have limited space and where already craming this is close proximity. Well limited space requires creative solutions. Integrating the run and a swing set may not seem that logical, but I think it turned out pretty well.

Anything I could have done better or any siggestions for future add-ons welcome

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Looks good to me!
Now.....how are you going to add more coop space

 

[Wickedchicken6]

How many birds do you have?

 

[NJDrew]

Looks good to me!
Now.....how are you going to add more coop space

Actually we were thinking about it. The one rooster we have is a cornish rock and he is too big to climb the ramp to the coop. If he is still with us come winter I will need to build him something. That will peobably be my next project

How many birds do you have?

We are done to 7 now. We had 9, 4 of which were roosters, but we were able to re-home two of them.

 

[aart]

The one rooster we have is a cornish rock and he is too big to climb the ramp to the coop

You mean a Cornish Cross meat bird?

Run extension is nice....
...but that coop is going to get mighty crowded unless you live in a mild climate.

 

[NJDrew]

You mean a Cornish Cross meat bird?

Run extension is nice....
...but that coop is going to get mighty crowded unless you live in a mild climate.

Yes he is a Cornish X meat bird. He was one of the ones we bought at TS. At 2sq ft per chicken that coop is big enough for about 4-5. Granted two of my chickens are bantams, but I see your point.

 

[junebuggena]

Minimum coop sq footage for most breeds is about 4 sq ft per bird. Bantams only need about 2 sq ft. Extra large breeds need at least 5 sq ft. Some individuals and some breeds in particular need even more. And if you live someplace that gets heavy winds and rain for months straight, you'll need to factor in those months of confinement.
Nesting boxes are not counted as coop square footage.

 

[NJDrew]

So thinking about how Im going to expand the coop to accomidate 4 sq ft per chicken, I think the best option is to enclose the entire coop/run. It is 8x4, so thats 32 sq ft which would support 8 chickens. My run will be a little short at 8 sq ft per chicken, bit I can work on that later.

The only question I have, in the winter in NJ, will warmth be a problem with a 7 ft peak? I can open the wall of the current coop and add another "shelf" on the other side to give the chickens an elevated platform, off the ground, that would be a bit warmer.

 

[junebuggena]

Common mistake first timers make is thinking that a smaller coop equals a warmer coop and therefore better for winter. They couldn't be more wrong. You see, just before chickens go to roost at night, they fill up their crops with as much feed as possible. While they sleep, all that feed is being digested and coming out the other end, resulting in a LOT of poo. That poo gives off ammonia and moisture. Ammonia can damage their respiratory systems without a lot of ventilation, and moisture will build up and condense on combs causing frostbite in winter. More overhead space means you can put in more ventilation, and thus providing a healthier environment. Chickens can handle temps well below freezing, as long as their shelter is dry and well vented.

 

[blackdog043]