How many chickens is too many???

[usalbrechts]

I have an 6X8 coop. The perfect size for 12 standards (which I have in there). Then I added 3 bantams. Now I going to add 3 more bantams. Am I asking for trouble over the winter. The little ones all huddle together in the corner at night away from the roosting big girls. Should I,in the spring build another coop for the bantams?? Just wondering (the bantams are all silkies)

 

[rooster-red]

If it were me I'd consider building a small coop for the extra birds now.

 

[schlitch]

According to my DW that number would be more than 5.

 

[Buckguy20]

I think you should get the bantams their own place.

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

You are way over crowded. You should only have 6 Regular birds in there,
Build another coop for the small ones now.
You will have problems this winter.

I have a coop that size and only have 8 silkies in it. Last winter I had a dozen in it and it was over crowded. It was hard to keep them clean & Healthy.

 

[Southern28Chick]

You will have problems this winter.

Just wondering why she'll have problems this winter? I really don't know. Do y'all plan on keeping your chickens locked in a house all winter? Is it because y'all get snow? 6x8 foot house is perfect for 12 standards, that's 4 sq/ft a bird. That's what it's supposed to be...right?​

 

[Newchickenmom&kids]

Yes but she's added 6 bantams....

 

[silkiechicken]

As the coop It's fine if it's a bit tight in the winter, as long as there is a large run and they aren't inside all day. As for the silkies... I have some living with my big flock and some living with the other silkies... and some with the chicks.... Some silkies like to huddle forever. Can't hurt to have a second coop though!!!

 

[Southern28Chick]

Newchickenmom&kids :

Yes but she's added 6 bantams....

Yeah I agree she needs a new house for the bantams but someone else said 6x8 was only big enough for 6 standards.​

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Mmmm I know I have too many birds for the coop size I have, but they free-range from sunrise to sunset and have 24 hr access to their run and rarely spend time in their coop. I actually like having more birds in their in the winter, It stays warmer and the only issues I have had with was when I had Polish, they got really picked on, I think because of their crests. Funny because my Silkies I used to have never got picked on. Now I have a second area for my "new" Silkies mainly because they are really good breeder and show quality and I wouldn't think it's so cute to end up with crossed up chicks with them. I also have Japs in with my big birds and have never had an issue with them getting picked on.

I think it depends on the birds, really. It is not like you are keeping them 4 to a cage. As long as they are able to move away from another and they are not stressed or picking at each other then they are happy with their situation. If they start picking or beating each other up, then I would separate the banties. JMHO

Wanted to add...I have 3 roosts in my coop, they are all the same, yet they all huddle together on the same one, security in numbers I guess.