How many chickens in my coop

[Chris Sebastian]

hello, i am very new to chickens, and it is a dream me and my mom shared. we always wanted to have backyard chickens. we just ordered a coop and it is on the tiny size, i will provide a link below. i wanted to get three but im not sure they would all fit and i need advice. I figured they would be cramped, but i would keep the door to the run open 24/7 (we will make it entirely predator proof, dont worry). it still is a whole lot better than where they would be coming from (those tiny cages stacked on top of each other, deficating all over eachother). We are doing this for pets and entertainment, but we also want eggs as well. We were thinking about getting golden comets since they lay eggs almost everyday and are on the smaller side. leave your opionions and thank you so much.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Large-Hen-H...333?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20c896918d

 

[Keltara]

Chris, I wouldn't recommend any more than 2 in that coop. Chickens require 4 sq. ftt. per bird inside the coop, and 10 sq. ft. per bird for the run. The prefab coops are always VERY tiny on both fronts. By the time you put their food and water into that little run, there's not going to be anything more than standing room for them. Chickens need space.

Kelly

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Our Country Chronicles

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[missnu01]

You can build a much larger coop for the same amount of money that will house many more birds...I don't like the premade coops...to get one that has any size to it you have to spend a fortune.

 

[fried green eggs]

Hi &

Glad you joined us! I went into Family Farm and Home store last week and they had one that looked like the one in the link. The staples that attach the wire to the wood are very very cheap and would not keep out a medium or large dog pushing at it. It would need to be placed in a regular dog kennel but that makes moving it a little hard. It would be comfortable for two birds. I would paint it or seal the wood as it's kind of thin and light duty if you buy this one.

You might check on Craigslist as someone in your area may make small coops that would be better built and could be about the same money as this kit in the link and truly work for 3-4 birds. Good Luck!

 

[Chris Sebastian]

what do you think of this one? its on craigslist.....and its not to far away





http://lancaster.craigslist.org/grd/3691284109.html

 

[Keltara]

what do you think of this one? its on craigslist.....and its not to far away





http://lancaster.craigslist.org/grd/3691284109.html

Definitely better Chris, but pricey. Is there anyone that could build one for you and your mom? This is my coop, and it cost $200 to build.
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[Chris Sebastian]

wow, very impressing, terrific design and craftmenship. i know the one i ordered is small, and could only hold 2-3 hens at the very most, but i could possible add an extension to the run. i know the inside is rather small and cramped to but im just figuring this stuff out and heck, i can always upgrade in the future. i know for people that love their chickens dearly will want them to have a ton of space, but i have read artricles that stated chickens can get used to snugged up places. if you have anymore ideas please shoot them at me, building one ourselves may not work, for it is just me and my mother. thanks

 

[fried green eggs]

Will you be able to move the coop/run each day as a tractor coop? If not, you might keep looking on craigslist for dog kennels so, they could have a larger run - which will also help you in cleaning their area. I was able to buy 2 almost brand new 10x10x6'h kennels for $200.00 from someone that had only used them for one month and wanted them gone. Dog kennels work great and will give you added security for your hens.

 

[LeskoLayers]

just a question. Do you "have" to hand the water and feed in the coop?

 

[Chris Sebastian]

im going to put the water and feed in the run