How large should the pop door be for silkies?

[FenDruadin]

I'm getting some silkie chicks and thinking about their housing. They'll be staying the night in a shed that has a large door I'll open and close throughout the day (I also store feed and hay in there), but I want them to be able to get in and out even when the big door is shut, except at night when it will be closed up completely. This is what a pop door is for, right?

I'm planning to just cut it out of the larger door and fasten it with hinges and a lock mechanism. But how large should it be for silkies? What if I ever want larger chickens? Thanks!

 

[fireguy56]

Hi, Good luck with your Silkies first of all. We have several and are expecting Polish chicks any minute. As a small breed, you could get by with a fairly small opening, however if ya plan for others down the road (and I would) you can't go wrong with a door 12"-14" wide and 16" high. An opening that size will accomodate everyone. We have a mixed flock from Seabrights(tiny) to RIR's, Silver Laced Wyandotte's, etc..(large, fat 'ol girls) and our door works for them all.
Erik

 

[FenDruadin]

Cool, thank you! I'll make it in that range then. I don't have PLANS per se to add more chickens, but I know from experience how addictive livestock is. I currently have seven coturnix quail, 10 ducks (4 runners, 4 magpies, 2 scovies), and two goats, plus the chickens on their way... so I'll go with the larger size. Thank you!!