Hello There! New to BackYard Chickens - Sq. Ft. Coop/Run for Orpingtons, Ameracaunas, Australorp?

[L P in San Jose]

Hi! I'm so new I don't have my chicks yet--just in planning stages for an urban coop/run for some big ladies and some medium gals. I've done a lot of research already, but I get varying square footage spacing for chickens, in general. I can have up to 6, and they will be limited free range or, if that doesn't work out, they will have to stay in a space I'm currently considering at 9' x 12,' due to city setback restrictions. I'm wondering if I can humanely keep up to 6 girls in it, 1 Barnevelder, 1 Australorp, 2 Orpingtons, and 2 Ameracaunas. Is this an overreach?

Also, I read the Orpingtons need a low perch due to size, but have also seen higher perches with a boost up of some sort. What do ya think?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

LP

 

[Kiki]

Hi there! 6 girls will fit comfy in a 9 x 12 coop. I am not sure about anything Orp related, I've never owned any.
Welcome to BYC.
This video should help you find your way around the site better, enjoy!

 

[L P in San Jose]

Thank you for the warm welcome and video link KikisGirls!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC

General recommended minimum space requirements are 4 Sqft per bird coop space, 1.5 ft roost space and 10sqft per bird run space. Whilst not writing in stone, they are a good starting point. You should be ok with 6 birds. Heavier birds can be a little more prone to foot / leg injury, so lower roosts are likely to work out better.

You'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/learning-center.11/ and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best

CT

 

[L P in San Jose]

Awesome CT! Thanks much! - LP

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[L P in San Jose]

Thank you D D!