How many chickens can I keep in this coop/run?

[Jenni B]

Quote:
In my coop (4'x7'), I have 3 - 4' roosts and I have 15 birds, in rainy WA, they only use about half the space on the roost. Standard sized birds. I would say it's big enough for 15-20 birds comfortably, but you could start smaller and then add more if it looks like there is room for more. Mine might like more birds because it gets colder. Yours might not like the extra heat and get craby, you never know!

 

[NonnasBabies]

Quote:
And they probably would love that! I built a roost out of tree limbs and have it outside in the run! Half my flock roosts on it at night. We had to actually take it out the run when it got cold cause they still wouldn't go inside!!

Are you going to cover the top of your run?? That is definetly one thing I'd recommend!!

Good Luck!

ETA: Very nice coop by the way!!

 

[Bahachick]

No cover because the fence is only 4' tall and I don't feel like crawling in to feed them but I am looking to put a tarp over one section to protect the feeder from rain and to provide shade. Plus I got a coconut tree next to the coop as you can see it and it provides a nice shady area too.
I just installed an automatic door opener (changed the wood sliding door to a metal one made out of a real estate sign) so I will see how many will be comfy in there. I will post a pic or two below how the setup looks right now.
All I need are tenants who will come on the 1st

 

[NonnasBabies]

I'll be honest, I don't think there going to use that ramp. Looks way to steep!!!

 

[Bahachick]

I am not worried about that I can easily make another one but thanks for the suggestion.

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
I would agree whole heartedly! The run is extra big for the # of chickens the coop can hold. If the birds are only in the coop at night but out during the other 15-16 hours then you could fit 15-16 hens comfortably, but if they spend more time in the coop then out of it, 9-10 is all I would have.

 

[Bahachick]

I will put 20 in there.
The ones that don't like it and complain will be EATEN!!!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I agree with CoyoteMagic.

 

[Redley]

Looks like you have it all set up with the birds on the way

(regardless how many is the "appropriate number" with the 1 bird per 4 square feet. With your run, you have more than enough space, will just depend how many will fit into your coop. Did I see it right, do you only have 3 nests??? I agree with the earlier posts, I would put in as many roosts as I could inside, especially with the threat of your wildlife, they would be safe with your automatic door.
I think you have a good idea setting up a roost outside, the ones outside may be eaten by your predators....
It will be interesting to see if the same ones go to roost inside and outside.
Keep us posted!

 

[Judy]

Quote:
That's what I'd do. Actually, in the Bahamas, I would have built a 3 sided shelter for rain and wind that was continuous with a good sized run. They will need breeze and shade, and a place to get in from rain, but not a closed building. It's a lot colder here than there, but also pretty hot in summer, so I have a very, very breezy coop, with large areas of "walls" made of hardware clot on all 4 aides. Chickens tolerate cold a lot better than heat.