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How many chickens can i fit in this coop ?

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by EasterEggersRULE, Mar 10, 2012.

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  1. Mar 10, 2012 #1
    EasterEggersRULE

    EasterEggersRULE Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Dec 13, 2010
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    I will post pics ASAP.
    Its going to be 8ft long 3 ft deep and 4ft tall.
    10 inches of the height is going to be a bed for flowers.
    3ft is going to be hard ware cloth and 4ft solid.
    We are planing on housing three welsh harlequin ducks and a few large fowl.

    We are going to buy the wood and hard ware cloth and start building tomorrow and buying some chicks on thursday and have no idea how many i can house in the coop.
    During the day they will free range and will only be locked up at night.


    Thanks in advance !
     
  3. Mar 10, 2012 #2
    Judy

    Judy Chicken Obsessed Staff Member Premium Member

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    Feb 5, 2009
    South Georgia
    For chickens you usually figure 4 sq ft per bird.

    Not sure I understand the flower box -- the chickens will likely destroy the plants.
     
  5. Mar 10, 2012 #3
    Cargo

    Cargo Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Sep 28, 2010
    Farmington, NM
    Minimum 4 sq ft per bird in the coop, not counting nest boxes.
    Minimum 10 sq ft per bird outside the coop.

    These are bare minimums most folks have well more than that.
     
  7. Mar 11, 2012 #4
    jeepguy982001

    jeepguy982001 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    athens, wv
    good luck on your build but remember height has nothing to do with square feet.
     
  9. Mar 11, 2012 #5
    KDK1

    KDK1 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Tennessee Plateau
    The 4 sq ft per chicken rule might apply if you live where there are harsh winters and your birds stay cooped up for an extended period of time. When you live somewhere like South Texas and your birds stay outside all the time, (like mine do) except for laying and sleeping, you can easily get by with 2 sq ft per bird. The "Bare Minimums" depend on where you live and how you manage your flock.
    Your 8'X3' coop is fine for several birds provided you have sufficient outside area.
     

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