How many chickens can I have?

[Matilda Belle]

i have a small 4x6 coop with a 10x10 run. They will be in the coop at night and in the run during the day. Currently I have 5 chicks but I might want one more if I have the space.

 

[featheredplanets]

Following the bare minimums, you could have six chickens. (4sqft per in coop, 10sqft per in run) But these are bare minimums, you should always aim to provide as much space as possible

 

[Matilda Belle]

Thanks. I definitely don't want to risk overcrowding, so maybe I should just stick with 5.

 

[featheredplanets]

Thanks. I definitely don't want to risk overcrowding, so maybe I should just stick with 5.

Sounds like a plan

 

[jthornton]

In snow states you need more run size when the birds are locked in the run. I would stick with 5 birds.

JT

 

[GC-Raptor]

You also need to factor in stuff inside the coop.
Your coop is 24 square feet. If you have a 12/15# galvanized feeder and a 2 gallon galvanized waterer in coop, subtract 2 square feet.
If you have 2 nest boxes on the floor subtract 2.5 square feet.
That leaves 19.5 square feet. 6 bantams or 5 chickens Max.
If nest boxes are are 12 inches above floor for bantams, 18 inches for chickens, or hang outside the coop. That leaves 22 square feet. 7 bantams or 5 chickens Max.
If you do not have feed and water in coop with raised nest boxes.
You have 24 square feet. 8 bantams or 6 chickens Max.
That is based on 3 square feet for bantams, 4 square feet for regular chickens.
Some figure 2 square feet for bantams based on size only. I also base on numbers.
These are the minimum space requirements. Double the space for much happier chickens, and less work for the chicken keeper.

Outside pen size is 100 square feet. 7 bantams or 5 chickens.
That's based on 15 square feet for bantams, 20 square feet for regular sized chickens.
I would double that if they don't get some free range time of an hour or two a day.
Some say 10 square feet per chicken minimum. I would say that is OK if they free range, daily from sunrise to sunset.
All these numbers are based on my experience over two years, and what I have read. GC

 

[cmom]

If you can provide some free range time or expand your run. As far as the coop for me, it would depend on the amount of roost space. My birds are rarely in their coops except to roost at night, to eat and lay their eggs in the nest boxes. I have some coops that some people would say are over crowded but they all have plenty of space to roost. I do have large runs/pens. Do you have pictures you can post?

 

[featherhead007]

Build a bigger castle, bring in more Knights and Ladies in waiting!

 

[llombardo]

If you can provide some free range time or expand your run. As far as the coop for me, it would depend on the amount of roost space. My birds are rarely in their coops except to roost at night, to eat and lay their eggs in the nest boxes. I have some coops that some people would say are over crowded but they all have plenty of space to roost. I do have large runs/pens. Do you have pictures you can post?

This is my thought process. When they roost, I am seeing them all stick together.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Depends on how your chickens are housed. Rule of thumb says six, but if the run is secure and they have access to the run first thing in the morning and basically only use the coop for sleeping and laying eggs and they have lots of roost space you may be able to get away with up to 8 chickens. If your chickens frequently must spend long hours in the coop, 4x6 might be crowded for the hens you already have.