How many chickens?

[NapaChicknGal]

how can you allow 4 sq/ft per bird? That's like a whole shed? Here inCaliforniathey sell those crappy rectangle ones like the smaller one I have--girls only go in to lay or sleep then are outside. My "chicken gurus" here advised me I'm ok--since I have large run area where they can go off solo or in pairs --shade hide-outs a cple small trees. I also have 2 sunshades and 2 old patio umbrellas.
So it seems that by returning the "groupie" Sussex back to owner it'll be more comfortable. If not, I guess I can always downsize -- I'm going to wait till the four pullets are full grown.

 

[junebuggena]

Depending on your climate, and your run size, and whether or not the coop is the only form of shelter; you can get by with having a too small coop. But generally, to avoid over crowding stress, it's best to have at least 4 sq ft per bird in the coop, or 5 sq ft if you have large breeds. Over crowding stress is something that a lot first time chicken owners don't think much about. Signs that your birds are too crowded range from feather picking; sudden, extreme aggression towards the other birds, or even cannibalism. Yep, they can get so stressed out that they might just start eating each other. Once these behavior problems start, it can be very difficult to stop them, even when ample room is provided. That's why it's best to avoid it entirely and not try to get by with housing large breeds (Brahma) in tiny coops.

 

[NapaChicknGal]

ok, I get it. I will work on it. But I'm retired and it's just me -- and was told by a cpl chicken owners that what I have is ok. But I will work on it; thnx for your input, I do appreciate it. Have to count my schlekels to see about getting an old garden shed, I guess.