How many Chickens can I keep in this ?

[Ilovemy3babies]

I have a coop similar to this one

https://sites.google.com/site/theknottybirdcompany/deluxecoop

except mine is 4x4 for the coop, and 4x6 for the run. I initially wanted just 3 Hens,since it is illegal to keep chickens here in my neighborhood, and we wanted the smallest coop possible so that we could hide it better, but now I want 4

,my hubby thinks I'm nuts, so I'm wondering if it's even possible to squeeze 4 Hens in there ( 2 RIR, and 2 Bared Rock or maybe 2 RIR, 1 Bared Rock, and 1 BO, the possibilities are endless (lol).

 

[CorinneP]

I Personally wouldnt keep more than 4 .. If they get two crowded they tend to fight more .. Given the dimensions and the size of the run .. I think thats the Maximum I would put in..But Its a Pretty cool design ! But I think your 4 would be ok .. Just My oppinion

 

[Back2Roots]

I have a coop similar to this one

https://sites.google.com/site/theknottybirdcompany/deluxecoop

except mine is 4x4 for the coop, and 4x6 for the run. I initially wanted just 3 Hens,since it is illegal to keep chickens here in my neighborhood, and we wanted the smallest coop possible so that we could hide it better, but now I want 4

,my hubby thinks I'm nuts, so I'm wondering if it's even possible to squeeze 4 Hens in there ( 2 RIR, and 2 Bared Rock or maybe 2 RIR, 1 Bared Rock, and 1 BO, the possibilities are endless (lol).

4 square feet in the coop and 10 square feet in the run is the generally accepted minimum.
This thread goes into more detail as to why:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/156476/square-feet-per-bird
I think that 4 birds should be your maximum, especially if your chickens will be confined to coop and run all the time.

 

[Zigmont]

If you already have three and they get along, I would not add a fourth. Adding a single hen to an existing flock is difficult even in a large area. Chickens do not like new members in their flock and with a small area like yours, I would not risk it. If they don't peck her to death, they might keep her from eating or drinking, not let her lay, and otherwise stress her to death. Some flocks are better than others, but why take a chance if all is calm now?

 

[Ilovemy3babies]

I would not keep more than 4 chickens in there, and even that I feel like it would be too crowed for them. We may add little more run space,trying to convince my hubby to do so.

The design was posted by another member on here, she was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions, and we went from there.

Thanks everyone.

 

[CorinneP]

Extra Run is so Nice , and will also increase the quality of your Eggs as they will have more oppertunity to get Bugs. Thats why some of the smaller coops are so nice if they are portable. you can keep moving them to fresh grass ..

 

[Ilovemy3babies]

If you already have three and they get along, I would not add a fourth. Adding a single hen to an existing flock is difficult even in a large area. Chickens do not like new members in their flock and with a small area like yours, I would not risk it. If they don't peck her to death, they might keep her from eating or drinking, not let her lay, and otherwise stress her to death. Some flocks are better than others, but why take a chance if all is calm now?

I don't have the chickens yet, planning on getting them in a few weeks,I just want the max I can keep when we go pick them out, soI would not have to add later on .