How many can I have?

[doublecrossranch]

It may be enough ventilation, I'm no coop builder LOL If you find it's not, then you can always add more.

I wish my windows tilted out instead of slide open. They would be more useful this winter. I already planned to cover the north side of the run in greenhouse plastic. I will probably go ahead and cover the rest of the small run leaving the gate doors uncovered. That way I can use the windows without worrying about too much of a breeze.

 

[Manhen]

View attachment 1909579Sorry it’s messy

Shouldn't those 2x4 roosts be rotated 90 degrees? My understanding is that the 2 inch edge of the board is too narrow, it is not a full 2 inches either.

 

[Manhen]

View attachment 1909503 I have a coop 7x12, 9 nesting boxes, 2- 12’ roosts, run 27x34, and they are free ranged during the day. I have 9 pullets and 1 roo 4 months old. I also have 3- 1.5 week old and 8- 3 day old pullets.
So in total I will have 21

How many can I realistically have? #chickenmath

I have 450 sq ft in my coop, and have 86 birds. They have a 90 sq. ft. lenai and an open pasture. That is 5.2 sq. ft. per bird. It is quite crowded, but there are many section in the coop for "hiding" of harassed birds. If you push it, count on more cleaning and maybe some injuries. I have noted I have a dirt floor, this helps as spilling soiled water out of the fonts is pretty easy....then top of the font's reservoir.

It's hard to stop adding birds, but depending upon your experience patience is worth it. And how much time do you have?

 

[doublecrossranch]

@aart
Thoughts on space and roosts

 

[doublecrossranch]

Shouldn't those 2x4 roosts be rotated 90 degrees? My understanding is that the 2 inch edge of the board is too narrow, it is not a full 2 inches either.

I thought the idea was for them to roost and not stand but I could be wrong. @Wyorp Rock thoughts

 

[aart]

@aart
Thoughts on space and roosts

Your space fits the 4sqft rule for 21 birds....but, IMO, that's a bare minimum and other considerations must be taken into account.
I see some possible issues with birds getting down from those roosts without crashing.
Ventilation is sorely lacking (I think we talked about this on another thread and I linked a build thread showing how to put windows in a metal shed) especially with 21 birds...more birds, more poop, more ammonia, you see where I'm going there?
In the end hard numbers don't mean squat, Observe and Adjust based on your birds health and behaviors.

Roosts...I don't think it really matters for sleeping, and it's a debate that will go on until the cows never come home. I like 2x4's wide side up, especially for when they are shuffling for position during the nightly RoostTimeRumble, but mine also sleep on the 2x2 edge of poop boards, and right on the poop boards(cleaned daily).
Here's an interesting and pretty thorough(thus viable) experiment that was conducted, see what you think:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

 

[doublecrossranch]

windows in a metal shed)

I have 3 large windows already. Between the windows, side vents and vents along the whole roof isn’t enough? I can add more but it would have to be on the north side.

 

[doublecrossranch]

To show you better pictures of the ventilation. These are right after it was built

 

[doublecrossranch]

To show you better pictures of the ventilation. These are right after it was builtView attachment 1910283 View attachment 1910279 View attachment 1910281 View attachment 1910282

There is a vent above the door too. The bedding is dry enough I have to wear a mask from the dust when I clean

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I thought the idea was for them to roost and not stand but I could be wrong. @Wyorp Rock thoughts

I have 3 large windows already. Between the windows, side vents and vents along the whole roof isn’t enough? I can add more but it would have to be on the north side.

Roosts are one of those debatable things LOL
I use 2" round rods in mine, so.....

I like the fact you have the large windows, but...in winter they are situated across from the roosting area - it may be too "drafty" (direct wind/air) on the birds to be left open. This is why, imho, having more ventilation up high would be necessary. Likely you will shut your windows in winter. For the most part, I shut my windows in winter. I do have a side window that I might partially open on warmish sunny days and also the front window at times. The very back window (looks same as the front one) is shut all winter, it's on the North side - the wind is brutal. So, what do I rely on for ventilation in winter - the whole front is open at the top, the back I have large vent holes along the header(right term?), I saved the plugs of wood and pop those in/out depending on how windy/cold it is. Hard to see in my photo, but that whole front along the roofline is "open" year round. A lot of times you have to just monitor it - see how it works - if your metal roof is sweating in the winter, then you likely need more ventilation - a lot depends on your climate. Metal here sweats pretty much year round - my roof is metal, but I covered it inside with foam board to act as a vapor barrier - it works well and my coop stays really dry. Moisture (and exposure) are 2 common causes of Frostbite in winter.
Just my thoughts. I do like your coop though!