How many hens fit in this coop/run? *PIC*

[lelisabeth]

Okay, we built a new coop and run combo and planned to only have 3 chicks. Well, I know, I know, always build bigger, because now I want more girls! How many hens would you keep in this coop:

It is about 4.5' x 9' total, and the coop is 4.5' x 4.5', and they are in it all day long. We let them out for about an hour in the afternoon at least in the summer (our yard is totally fenced with a privacy fence). We are considering building a portable run because I feel bad that they don't get much sun during the day when we are at work. Our yard is very small, though, a city lot, so we can't have a huge coop.

I know there will be very varied answers, but just give me what you got! Thank you!


ETA: correction, they are in the run all day long, not cooped-up in the coop!

Also, I know we need more steps up the ramp, they just fly to get up there now, its not too functional.

 

[georgialee]

I would say 5 standard size chickens. You could do a few more if you chose to have some bantams.

Love your coop!

 

[joebryant]

I wouldn't put more than four in there. You could do five, but I think that would be stretching it.

 

[patandchickens]

I wouldn't put more than four *max*, personally - you might be able to have more, if you got lucky, but if you didn't get lucky you would have bloodshed and possibly the beginning of an ingrained picking habit and besides they really DO behave as if they're happier and more relaxed with extra room.

BTW, cute coop -- that upper triangular area *is* covered by some sort of wire, even not-very-safe chickenwire at least, right? Just mentioning b/c sometimes people don't and then are surprised when a raccoon or possum gets in.

Have fun,

Pat

 

[lelisabeth]

Okay, great, that's what I was thinking! I was waffling between 4 and 5, but was nervous that 5 would be too many. I think the coop would be big enough for it, but I think the run is too small for that.

Quote:
Thanks! we wanted a decent looking coop, since we really aren't supposed to have chickens. More urban looking I think, although kinda poorly constructed. Actually, the run has "not-very-safe chickenwire" laid flat across the top, so that triangular area is open. I plan to dry some herbs up there (maybe). Its actually a convenient place to set the bowl of whatever I'm carrying out to the chicks while I open the door.

I know I should have used a smaller hardware cloth, just budget constraints that held us back.

 

[Windwhistlefarm]

Wahoo, someone else hangs water, food! A really nice place!