How many birds? Help

[Steve james]

Im new to raising chickens but I feel I have caught along fast. I currently have 3 barred rocks laying about an egg a day (seem happy). My chickens will not free range my coop is about 7x8 and 6ft high. I have been raising 7 baby chicks for my children how many is comfortable within my coop?? Or will I need an addition space for them? Check the pictures out of they upload. I have made a few changes but the size is the same.

 

[redranger209]

You are about two sq foot short per bird, either upgrade your run or let them free range. Can I ask you why you aren’t free ranging them?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Your coop is very well built! That chicken wire will not keep predators out of your run. Your current run can house 5-6 largefowl chickens comfortably.

 

[Steve james]

You are about two sq foot short per bird, either upgrade your run or let them free range. Can I ask you why you aren’t free ranging them?

Free ranging isn't allowed where I live county ordinances. Would 8 chickens be ok with my current coop size? I could always give a few to my neighbor

 

[Steve james]

Your coop is very well built! That chicken wire will not keep predators out of your run. Your current run can house 5-6 largefowl chickens comfortably.

Thanks for the reply. So far it has kept dogs and raccoons out but I def should have went with a thicker gauge.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The measurements you gave are for that entire unit? So the run is 7x8, but how big is the enclosed coop? Or are you treating this as an open air coop and the chickens don't have to sleep in the enclosed area? And what's your climate/location?

Based on the run you have room for about 5 standard birds. Depending on the coop measurement, it may be less than that. If you can build a larger run enclosure or enlarge the coop space, then potentially you can fit more birds.

 

[Steve james]

The measurements you gave are for that entire unit? So the run is 7x8, but how big is the enclosed coop? Or are you treating this as an open air coop and the chickens don't have to sleep in the enclosed area? And what's your climate/location?

Based on the run you have room for about 5 standard birds. Depending on the coop measurement, it may be less than that. If you can build a larger run enclosure or enlarge the coop space, then potentially you can fit more birds.

Treasure coast Fl ..Hot as hell currently. The coop above is 3 1/2 by 6 but I can add more closed area if nessassary because of the height inside. I can easily add another 3x5 enclosed

 

[rosemarythyme]

As it currently stands the coop portion holds roughly 5 birds and the run portion is big enough for the same. So I stand by 5 standard size birds in that set up. If you can expand the overall footprint of the set up or even add on additional run space, you'd have room for more.

Since you're in a hot climate, you could also consider turning that entire space as the coop as open ventilation is far more beneficial than enclosed walls in your climate. That would mean beefing up security (chicken wire is not predator proof) and then adding on additional run space. The minimum numbers you usually see on here are 4 sq ft per bird in coop plus 10 sq ft per bird in run, however chickens don't see it like that, so as long as there's adequate space overall they'd be fine with it.

 

[Steve james]

As it currently stands the coop portion holds roughly 5 birds and the run portion is big enough for the same. So I stand by 5 standard size birds in that set up. If you can expand the overall footprint of the set up or even add on additional run space, you'd have room for more.

Since you're in a hot climate, you could also consider turning that entire space as the coop as open ventilation is far more beneficial than enclosed walls in your climate. That would mean beefing up security (chicken wire is not predator proof) and then adding on additional run space. The minimum numbers you usually see on here are 4 sq ft per bird in coop plus 10 sq ft per bird in run, however chickens don't see it like that, so as long as there's adequate space overall they'd be fine with it.

Thanks again everyone!! I'll go make some changes and get back with you. Very helpful

 

[snow5164]

For your information, the measurements given here were created by people that needed a number ...... don’t tell but my coop has always been too small by those numbers , as long as you take advantage of the height of the coop ( different heights for roosts , shelves), they are fine .

I’d give it a try and see if the peck at each other.. give some away ... good luck and remember there is no set of rules for raising animals , just peoples ideas