Enough space?

[Hvacmoose]

Is this enough coop for my new hens X4? Their yard is 16'x20' in the winter and 16'x60' in the winter. I am adding ventilation today and some roosts. Any thoughts?

 

[Alaskan]

I am not quite sure how they would get up high to a perch.

I might open up the lowest level too, since that would be easy for them to get to.

Here on BYC the standard answer to "how much space per chicken" is 4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run.

If your hens are sweet towards each other, you might be able to get by with less.

If it is too little space they will start pecking at each other.

 

[chicken pickin]

I agree with completely with Alaskan. For space 4 sqft is the standard amount you need per chicken inside of a coop, and that space does not include the nest boxes. I would also open up that bottom level so they have more floor space. If your hens get along really well you may be able to get by with that little space otherwise you might get some pecking/feather pulling type issues.

 

[aart]

Is this enough coop for my new hens X4? Their yard is 16'x20' in the winter and 16'x60' in the winter. I am adding ventilation today and some roosts. Any thoughts?

NO. It might make a good brooder if you lay it on it's back...and do a lot of modifications.

 

[Hvacmoose]

Updated. New coop. 5' wide by 7' long w three nesting boxes 16"x16"x12" tall.
Is this better?

 

[chicken pickin]

LOVE IT!!! That is adorable and looks like they will have plenty of space. The colors are great also.

 

[JanetS]

The size is much better but I would be a little concerned about whether it's predator proof. 1/2" hardware cloth is a better wire than the chicken wire you
are using. Do you have any wire on the floor? Can't tell from picture. This is very important to have!! If you have chickens you will have some predators and they come
in many sizes. I would hate for you to go out and find your chickens gone or dead from a fox or raccoon.


You might also want to cut off the ends of the screws so your chickens won't get hurt on them.


Good luck. We learn something new everyday from our chickens. Many good and some sad (lost one to bobcat and one to illness) but we've been
so glad to have them

.