How many chickens?

[IdyllwildAcres]

Plywood comes in 4x8 sheets. I would go at least 8x8 or 4x16 less cuts more space

Gary

 

[Boone Farm]

There'll never be more than the 6 or 7, there's a chicken sanctuary type of thing nearby who I contacted, they said they'd take any chickens in so any that stopped producing I'd take there and replace when needed.

Sounds like a great setup. I think that size is good for 6-7 chickens and I think thats a good flock. I only have 3 and wished I had 7. Good luck!

 

[Clayman88]

This seems reasonable to me. If you were to add a rooster you may want more space though.

No rooster it's on a plot on an allotment site, I live about 10 minutes stroll away and be a bit unfair having the people near my plot putting up with a rooster when I'm not.

 

[sassysarah]

Sounds great!
Good luck!

 

[Clayman88]

Plywood comes in 4x8 sheets. I would go at least 8x8 or 4x16 less cuts more space

Gary

Pallet wood I can get it free along with other bits of wood

 

[Clayman88]

Sounds like a great setup. I think that size is good for 6-7 chickens and I think thats a good flock. I only have 3 and wished I had 7. Good luck!

I did think of 4 but knew I'd probably want more, be honest my dreams a small holding with a lot more chickens than 7 but 7 is the max I'm looking at, at the moment.

 

[Clayman88]

How tall will the coop be? Most of the birds will try and get to the higher roost if there is one so I would suggest having the higher one be the 6' if you are planning on having multi levels. I think 6 chickens would be perfect for a coop like that. That will also feed your family eggs for days.

Well I was thinking putting it on stilts 2 foot of the ground then maybe 4-5ft height inside.

 

[sassysarah]

Well I was thinking putting it on stilts 2 foot of the ground then maybe 4-5ft height inside.

That sounds fine.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Most recommendations on here are minimum 4 sq ft inside coop and 10 sq ft in run per standard sized bird. You will never go wrong with having more space - the chickens will have fewer behavioral issues and be happier and healthier overall. More space also gives you room to expand later on, if you decide you want more birds.

As far as how many chickens you'd need to meet your egg quota, I started with 4 chickens and I'm struggling to use up all the eggs. So I guess it depends on how fast you eat eggs! I know their production will diminish with age and during molt/winter/broody cycles, but I wasn't expecting around 3 a day every day.

 

[Clayman88]

Probably a silly question but is it better to have odd or even number chickens or does it not matter? Also is it better to just have one breed or does that not matter?