How many chickens for my space??

[H_2]

Hi! The coop we're installing is 4.5' x 4.5' (20sf), 4.5' tall, 3 nesting boxes, with a run that is about 22sf. Plus, they will have some free rangey opportunities. I'm thinking 4-5 ladies? Should it be fewer? Summers are hot and winters are snowy, if that matters. Thank you!

 

[Rlmp817]

Are you planning on free rangeing at all? If not, I believe you have run space for 2 (10sq ft per bird in the run) but space in the coop for 5 (4 sq ft per bird in the coop) you may want to look at extending your run and enjoy more birds

 

[chickengirl778]

You will need more run space! 10 sq feet per chicken is best at minimum, and you may want to get more eventually. With less space, they tend to pick on each other.

 

[Kiki]

4 square feet per bird is the "norm"...more sq. ft./larger is better.

 

[H_2]

Thanks! I do plan to free range them when I'm around to supervise in the backyard. There is also a part of the backyard that is a fenced in orchard, vinyl solid fencing on one side and deer fencing on the other. I was thinking of letting them free range in there less supervised assuming none of my trees or plants will bother them. This is a big help, thank you!

 

[21hens-incharge]

If your feed and water are in the coop that space needs to be subtracted.

I would double the run size and keep just 3 in that space.

 

[H_2]

Ok, the good news is I can increase my run size, easily, so I'll do that. I'll also confirm my feed/water plan to make sure the coop square footage is accurate. I haven't even gotten hens yet and I already love this community!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Ok, the good news is I can increase my run size, easily, so I'll do that. I'll also confirm my feed/water plan to make sure the coop square footage is accurate. I haven't even gotten hens yet and I already love this community!

That's cause we are a lovable community!

You know we will all want to see pics when you get a chance.


We love pictures!

 

[H_2]

That's cause we are a lovable community!

You know we will all want to see pics when you get a chance.


We love pictures!

I can't wait to have pictures to share!!!

 

[cmom]

I probably have some over crowded coops but the birds are out in their pens mostly. They do have enough roost space.

You only need one nest box. Even though I have a lot of nest boxes, they don't use them all. Ill find around a dozen eggs in one nest box and maybe a 2/3/4 eggs in a few of the other nest boxes. In one coop I have 16 nest boxes but only around a half dozen get used. For me run space is important. My situation is different because I breed and usually have a few hundred birds at times. Currently around 200 birds with eggs going into the incubator tomorrow. Good luck and have fun...