How many Barred Rock hens can I add to my bantam flock of 4 in a 5x4 coop?

[Cherryrouj]

I have a 5 week old flock of 4 Nankin Bantams, I got them not really knowing that they were going to be tiny and not lay many eggs. We are still in love with them, but want to add a couple of Barred Rocks to the flock while they are young if we can. Our run has more than enough space but the coop is a converted 5x4 shed (nesting boxes extend outside of that). I’ve read bantams need 1/2 the sq footage, but I want them to be happy! They are free range on a large piece of land but I am in New England and assume in winter they will spend a lot of time indoors. Anyone had experience with bantams/mixed flocks? Do you think adding 2 would work perfectly like the math seems or will it be too crowded?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 5 week old flock of 4 Nankin Bantams, I got them not really knowing that they were going to be tiny and not lay many eggs. We are still in love with them, but want to add a couple of Barred Rocks to the flock while they are young if we can. Our run has more than enough space but the coop is a converted 5x4 shed (nesting boxes extend outside of that). I’ve read bantams need 1/2 the sq footage, but I want them to be happy! They are free range on a large piece of land but I am in New England and assume in winter they will spend a lot of time indoors. Anyone had experience with bantams/mixed flocks? Do you think adding 2 would work perfectly like the math seems or will it be too crowded?

Welcome To BYC

5X4 is only 20square feet. Generally speaking, here on BYC most recommend 4 square feet of space for each bird for housing and 10 square feet of space for each bird for runs. This is just a general guideline.

So...I understand bantams are smaller, but to me, that's all that would fit into your coop, especially if winters are harsh and birds will spend a lot of time inside.

Some birds can deal with less space, some need much more.

Some large fowl can get along with bantams, others won't.

If you want large fowl, then it may be best to have a separate coop for them. Barred Plymouth Rocks will need that minimum 4sq ft per hen (coop space) and 10sqft run space and much more if possible.
They are not mean birds, they are quite the sweethearts, but they are not pushovers.

Just my 2¢

 

[Cherryrouj]

Welcome To BYC

5X4 is only 20square feet. Generally speaking, here on BYC most recommend 4 square feet of space for each bird for housing and 10 square feet of space for each bird for runs. This is just a general guideline.

So...I understand bantams are smaller, but to me, that's all that would fit into your coop, especially if winters are harsh and birds will spend a lot of time inside.

Some birds can deal with less space, some need much more.

Some large fowl can get along with bantams, others won't.

If you want large fowl, then it may be best to have a separate coop for them. Barred Plymouth Rocks will need that minimum 4sq ft per hen (coop space) and 10sqft run space and much more if possible.
They are not mean birds, they are quite the sweethearts, but they are not pushovers.

Just my 2¢

Thank you! My gut was telling me the same thing. We have decided on sticking with our bantams! Being new to chickens, we were afraid of them being cold in the winter and didn’t want to have too little body mass (my thinking said more chickens more warmth!) but I think they will be quite happy to have the space through the winter.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you! My gut was telling me the same thing. We have decided on sticking with our bantams! Being new to chickens, we were afraid of them being cold in the winter and didn’t want to have too little body mass (my thinking said more chickens more warmth!) but I think they will be quite happy to have the space through the winter.

Well, they can handle cold pretty well if they can get out of direct wind. Hens fluff up nicely.

They will be happy to have the space. Be sure that even in winter your coop has plenty of ventilation. I know that sounds "cold" but they need fresh air coming in so ammonia can rise out.