How many chickens?

[MaineGrant]

My wife and I recently purchased a house and would like to have some chickens. We found a coop we liked it is 3.5' by 4' with 1 nesting box. The person selling them said that this size was good for 4 birds. We are looking at getting some Buff Orpington's, I just wanted to make sure that 4 chickens wouldn't be to many for a coop of this size.

Obviously they will have a fenced in section of the yard to stretch their legs.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Glad you joined us!

I have four birds in a coop that size. They only use it at night for sleeping and for laying eggs. If you live in an area where it gets so cold that they have to spend more time inside, you might want to go for a larger coop.

 

[MaineGrant]

I live in Maine so it get's fairly cold in the winter ... The price is right for this coup, can't really afford a larger one.

Would a coup this size be a problem during the winter?

 

[yellowirenut]

chickens do very well in the cold...its the summer heat and ventilation that is the main concern.

 

[MaineGrant]

chickens do very well in the cold...its the summer heat and ventilation that is the main concern.

I would assume the heat/ ventilation is a concern when they are closed in the coop correct? If they are out in the run I would assume they would be fine (given shade and water)

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Ventilation (above their heads when roosting) is important year round.

 

[CubanRooster]

from sunny Florida!