Doing this backwards

[Hen Pecked]

So we bought the chicks before I designed and built the coop (we have 5 outta the 3 we are "supposed to have, but they have all made it 3 weeks.) My original plan was to build a small 4x4 with nesting boxes attached on the outside then build an enclosed run to keep critters out.

We have raccons, mean cats, hawks once and awhile.


I use to live on a farm and I had about 80 chickens then, its alot easier to throw up some ugly pallet made coop in the country but I have to keep my yard/garden looking decent.


16sqft isn't going to be enough for 5 chickens, or could i get away with it?

I was going to build a tractor style coop but have no reason to spread poop all over the place, I'll save that for the compost bin.

 

[mikecnorthwest]

Yes that's enough space inside the house for 5 hens. Since you'll have a run for them and/or free range them during the day they'll have plenty of room. I've had as low as 2.5 sq. ft. of inside house space for 5 hens and they did just fine. I have four hens right now with 3 sq. ft. of inside house.

 

[suzyQlou]

My ratio's close to yours. So yes, I think the size will be fine. Just watch out for chicken math! It's gotten you already since you have 5 chicks instead of the 3 you expected. It could strike again at any time

. And then you might have to build bigger.

 

[Hen Pecked]

Here are some shots



I used VCT tiles inside, I also made nesting boxes from 5 gallon buckets.





I already have the wire up, just need to finish the door and do a little trim work, I buried the wire about 12'' in the ground to keep the diggers out.

peeps stinkin up my garage...

 

[suzyQlou]

Looking good! Actually, more like great. I think your chicks are going to be very happy here.