Help for new chicken building!

Shadz13

Hatching
Apr 20, 2020
4
1
8
Québec
I'm planning on moving my chickens to a new building and I'd like some advice.
I currently have 10 Chantecler and 2 Rhode Island Red. I've also got 5 light Sussex in a different enclosure and I will be getting 6 Leghorns and 6 Rhode Island Red at the end of the month. Here are the measurements of their new enclosure and run:
Enclosure
Length: 18 feet
Width: 9 feet
Total: 162 square feet
Run
Length: 18 feet
Width: 12.75 feet
Total: 229.5 square feet
The chicken run will be indoors but they will also have access to a tunnel system so they can eat some grass outside.
I'm not sure if I should make small enclosures in the space I've got or just keep it like that and put all of my chickens in there. I think that's enough space for all of them and I don't know if they would be more comfortable as a big flock or if I should make 2 or 3 smaller ones.
 
Up to you really, the breeds should all get on together but if you want them separate then you could also do that. Obviously they’ll be a bit of argy bargy when you first put them together if that’s what you decided to do as they’ll have to re sort the pecking order and decide who’s boss, apart from that they should be fine.
 
Up to you really, the breeds should all get on together but if you want them separate then you could also do that. Obviously they’ll be a bit of argy bargy when you first put them together if that’s what you decided to do as they’ll have to re sort the pecking order and decide who’s boss, apart from that they should be fine.
Alright thank you!
 
I'm a bit confused by your terms.
By 'enclosure' do you mean coop?
The 'run' will be indoors?
Pics would be of great help here.
 
I'm a bit confused by your terms.
By 'enclosure' do you mean coop?
The 'run' will be indoors?
Pics would be of great help here.
Yes of course! It's a section of a greenhouse that we had in the past. Both the enclosure (the place where they'll sleep) and the run will be in it. I will send pictures of what's inside tomorrow.
94898997_2632796313709844_7898979829880455168_n.jpg
 
Oh, I see...nice!
If the run is predator proof, and that roof will hold the snow load, it should be enough for your 29 birds.
Still want to see more of the inside when you get a chance. :D

Adding the new birds (will they be chicks or older birds?) it would be good to section off part of the coop and run for integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better.
Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/
 
Oh, I see...nice!
If the run is predator proof, and that roof will hold the snow load, it should be enough for your 29 birds.
Still want to see more of the inside when you get a chance. :D

Adding the new birds (will they be chicks or older birds?) it would be good to section off part of the coop and run for integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/
They will be ready to lay hens. I currently have two chicken enclosures in my barn (one with my new light Sussex and one with the older ones) and those chickens have been able to see each other for almost 2 weeks now so that won't be a problem. I will try to move all of them to their new building the same day I will receive my new hens. If its a new territory for everyone will there be the same problems?
 

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