Enough Space for 5 hens?

[modchicken]

I now have 2 pullets living in this space and have 3 chicks still inside. This coop was meant for 4 hens and we built this enclosure around it. It has netting on the top, a wood door with latches, a coop, and about 10 by 9 feet of space without the coop. Is this enough space for all 5 of my girls? Thanks!

 

[SunnyAlberta]

What are the dimensions on your coop? Run?

 

[modchicken]

Like the whole thing or just the coop part?

 

[Izzymoon]

I have one with 6 chickens, at 5 months, they are cramped, I would say no, I am building a bigger coop, might keep this one for the baby brroder..first outside thing, works to keep an eye on them

 

[modchicken]

Wait do you have the same coop? Same amount of space? Thanks! Do you think I could add one somehow? Ugh.. how would I do that..

 

[terryg]

You don't say where you live, but if you live anywhere where there is inclement weather, long rainy patches or snow, your hens will be inside for stretches at a time. They need a minimum of 4 square feet inside per bird. Minimum. Less than that and you'll have pecking issues. You'll have air quality issues.

 

[modchicken]

Well the weather Is just sort of always hot here but I guess I need a bigger coop then? A bigger coop or a bigger enclosure? I don't know how to make this much bigger.. it's in a garden bed!

 

[4 MimisPeeps]

The outside space (your run) is plenty big, really big, in fact. I wish mine had that much space!! The inside space ( where they go out night to roost/sleep)r in case of extended days or rain or snow might need to be bigger although I do see that attached to the wooden coop is a covered run so that would be good during rain, snow if that happens where you are. tandard size hens the "required" amount of space is 4 sq feet per bird although I know of many people who have slightly less (around 3 sq.) and no problems because they have a large outside area. If any of yours are bantams, they can get by with a little less space. Also, you won't be able to use that space for gardening anymore. Chickens LOVE to peck, pull and scratch at all green, growing things and dirt!!

 

[modchicken]

The outside space (your run) is plenty big, really big, in fact. I wish mine had that much space!! The inside space ( where they go out night to roost/sleep)r in case of extended days or rain or snow might need to be bigger although I do see that attached to the wooden coop is a covered run so that would be good during rain, snow if that happens where you are. tandard size hens the "required" amount of space is 4 sq feet per bird although I know of many people who have slightly less (around 3 sq.) and no problems because they have a large outside area. If any of yours are bantams, they can get by with a little less space. Also, you won't be able to use that space for gardening anymore. Chickens LOVE to peck, pull and scratch at all green, growing things and dirt!!

Ok thanks and ya I know!! I think I will make some of those frames so I can plant things for them to peck at! I have 2 EEs, 1 BR, 1 Red Star, and 1 Black Star! Could I put another sort of small coop in there or no? I'm not sure what to do... I don't know if there's a way to really make the coop itself any bigger?

 

[Cochaura]

We need to add another coop or add on to our coop to with the birth of all our new chicks. We are thinking of just putting another coop next to the other and making an adjoining walkway of some sort - even if it has to be a 'skywalk'. This way, we can close one side off if we need to, but for now they can all be together.