How many chicks to buy? (pics)

[empireranch]

Here is my coop. It is 3.5' x 6.5' = 22.75 sq ft - on concrete slab - ventilation on all four sides - locks to be put on doors


The nesting box area is raised and is only 3' x 3'


The coop is in an enclosed area of 13' x 19' = 247 sq ft - top of enclosure will be covered with 7/8" polyethylene netting - chickens will be locked in coop at night.


Chicks arrive at feed store tomorrow - SLW, BLRW and Speckled Sussex. Next week are Autralorpes and Buff Orpingtons. I would love to get one of each, but is 5 too many? I live in the San Diego area, so chickens will be outside most of the year. Any thoughts?

 

[kybeagle]

You should have 4 square feet of coop space per chicken, if they are bantams you can figure around 3 square feet.

 

[ParkfieldFarm]

I think five would fit in there. It looks great!

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:

 

[IwannaBEaMERMAID]

I get 1 or 2+ what I need....In case of.....casualties

 

[TK421]

You have a HUGE run for the size of your coop. I think an average of 5 would be fine, but starting with a few extras would be ok too, due to your big run size.