How many can I fit?

[ThePolishPrincess]

We're building a coop for a small breeding flock of Silkies (plan was for 5 birds) and I think I screwed up with my math.

(In a good way.) My dad and I have already built out the frame and today he turned to me and said: "I think it's much bigger than it needs to be." It is very large. It's 6 X 8 and the height is about 4 feet tall. We went with the numbers 3 sq ft per bird, because although they're bantams, they're large.

-Winters are cold here in NY. They'll have a large run all year long, but probably won't want out in the winter much.

How many birds can I fit nicely without getting into trouble with feather-picking? I just need a number.

 

[tylermckee]

16 at 3sq/ft per bird

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

That's what I thought.

Wow, I really screwed up. But at least it's not too small...

Thanks.

 

[chickerdoodle]

You have 48 sq. feet. Since they will spend most of the winter indoors I'd give 5 sq. ft per Silkie. That's 9--maybe 10. Doesn't hurt to have extra room and a big run