how many can I have? 90'x 140'

[who'sgoingchickenhuntin']

My backyard is fair size 90 by 140 feet. Average sq footage to a chicken 30-50 feet. 6 chickens should be ok right?

Are rhode island reds flighty I got a 5' fence I don't want them not to be able to get back in at dusk. I guess I could just leave the gate open and pen up the rest.

Are rhode island red males really agressive? I don't want a rooster in my flock. But I am not gonna shun away. I guess I can raise it for meat.

6 foot by 4 foot coop with hinged roof big enough? I expect to insulate it and provide heat lamp for the winter.

 

[ChickenToes]

A chicken only needs about 10 square feet in a run. Inside the coop, each bird needs 3 or 4 square feet of space.

They'll be able to fly over a 5 ft. fence.

 

[Marlinchaser]

recommended 4 sqft per bird of coop space so 6 birds would do fine, you wont need a heat lamp, once they are feathered a healthy bird should do fine with no additional heat.

Your yard is plenty big enough for 6(or more)


RIR are not usually flighty or aggressive, but sometimes you will get a odd one that doenst live up to what is expected from a breed.

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

I would recommend you also give them an enclosed and preditor proof run. 10 sq ft per bird minimum X 6 = 60 sq ft or 6' x 10'.

Go hang out in the preditor/pest section of this forum to read up on all the people that thought they didn't need to protect their birds who have become loved pets.

 

[who'sgoingchickenhuntin']

yeah but I have a 5' chain link all around. the only preditors i have to worry about are hawks. Will they get a red?

 

[Judy]

Yes hawks will kill a RIR adult, although it will probably not fly off with it. So will owls and eagles. Coons will climb chain link, as will some dogs, and probably others. A fox would just jump it. I would bet there are coons in your area, whether you see them or not, if you are in the US.

If you want to let them free in your back yard, that is certainly your choice, but I would read up, as suggested, so you know what the risks are.

 

[who'sgoingchickenhuntin']

I guess a Screened in room will be in the budget. So if i make a Screened chicken run off the coop, Do i build it to suit all chickens at once to be in there or half the population? like additional 4' x 6' attached screened in room?