Does the perch area need to have a solid bottom?

[gpeled]

While you are asking for advice, you are not listening to the advice that is being provided by folks with the experience. Putting your birds in a coop that is too small is eventually going to result in disease and most assuredly blood shed issues. Also, such a small coop is most likely not going to give you satisfactory results with DLM. Your coop is only big enough for 3 birds, and you would be truly amazed at how much room three full grown chickens require, and even more amazed at how much they poop.

I appreciate the inputs and hear you, but simply not an option for me to make it bigger given the limitations of that area (between 2 trees, and in a narrow side yard).
Might just have to stick with 4 or even go down to 3 if indeed 15sqft turns out to be too tight.

Also been hearing conflicting inputs on this. Some folks have been telling me the 4sqft numbers, but multiple other experience chicken growers (not on this thread) have also said that with a large run, the coop itself does not need to be as big. So making do with what I have, and will find out.
Thanks!

 

[nminusyplusm]

I appreciate the inputs and hear you, but simply not an option for me to make it bigger given the limitations of that area (between 2 trees, and in a narrow side yard).
Might just have to stick with 4 or even go down to 3 if indeed 15sqft turns out to be too tight.

Also been hearing conflicting inputs on this. Some folks have been telling me the 4sqft numbers, but multiple other experience chicken growers (not on this thread) have also said that with a large run, the coop itself does not need to be as big. So making do with what I have, and will find out.
Thanks!

Do you have a wider shot? I see room to expand even in that tight photo. Otherwise stick to 3 chickens max.

 

[nminusyplusm]

IMO, if you don't have or want to give them enough room to prevent behavior and health issues then it's your responsibility to limit yourself to the number (3, in this case, based on your small coop) you can humanely accommodate.

 

[lazy gardener]

I wish you the best with your current set up and your current decisions. I will refrain from further input. Enjoy your anticipated flock experience.