Dennis' Playhouse coop (from MyPetChicken.com)

[absinor]

Quote:
We're in a similar boat with 4 large breed hens and a 4' x 9' coop/covered run. We didn't use the playhouse plans, but it is similar in that the hen house/run are under one roof.

We are going to let them free range a couple hours before bedtime and we also made a 4' x 6' tractor that docks up to the coop to give more ground space, but it won't be covered. I guess we can tarp it in the rainy months. I'll post a pic when it's done...hopefully Sunday! I can't stand the pine dust in my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[chookchick]

I built a very similar coop, though not nearly as nice looking as yours. It has a 4 by 8 footprint with a 4 by 4 "second story" roosting area. I have 4 chickens, by the time they were 8 weeks old it was looking much to small so I built an 8 by 8 day run. Now I think even that looks too small! I'm probably going to be moving the coop (long story--one is a rooster), and building a much larger day run. By the time I have an egg it will be worth at least $1,000, not including my labor hours!

 

[arwmommy]

We built this coop, but our builder made the house area 4x4. We currently have 8 banties in there with no problems, but they get out for a good portion of the day to free range. Here is my post on our coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9637

 

[orcasislandchickens]

I have the same coop (4x8) with an internal nest box and agree with you that keeping your best 4 hens will be about right. I changed the placement of the roost to somewhat diagonal and although a little harder to figure the end cuts it avoids the top of the nest box, and is still about 3' long just enough for your 4 to cuddle comfortably. I think getting 6 and only keeping 4 is an excellent idea in any case. Raised together, chosen for temperment you will have a lovely flock of colorful, happy, freindly, peaceful little hens. A very ideal backyard flock. 4 hens of the types you have chosen should also provide enough eggs for your family with a few extras to give away.

I enjoy my pets, all of whom can be held, come when called (easily caught and so can go out in the yard), and don't peck at me or my grandkids.

 

[NRacine]

Thanks for all the great replies everyone! I found someone with a really nice setup to take the two extras, so I think everything will work out just fine. Now I have to try to wait patiently for the babies to get here this week!