How many hens in my chicken tractor?

[Alfred]

Hi All,

I have a 4x8 tractor. 3x4 of this is the coop, leaving a 4x5 run. The coop has 2 nesting boxes. My question is how many hens can I comfortably keep in this coop/tractor? Currently, I have 3 Australorps. I have an opportunity to add one Buff Orpington and one Barred Rock, two breeds that I would really like to have represented in my flock, but I don't want to overcrowd them.

Thanks, AL.

 

[SequoyahFarms]

IMO your probably already pushing it with the three you currently have. I wouldn't be tempted by chicken math to expand your flock without expanding their housing first. Sorry, I'm sure it's not what you wanted to hear

 

[Alfred]

No, I wanted to hear the honest answer. That is why I was asking.

I was told by the person that built it that it would accommodate 4 hens, as-is, and maybe up to 6 hens if I free-ranged them. But I was thinking it might be a little tight.

AL.

 

[SequoyahFarms]

If you free ranged them everyday you might be able to get by with one more. But its going to make it very cramped on those nasty days when it's not an option. Every ad I've ever seen recommends way more birds than the tractor or coop can hold for some unknown reason. I guess they think it makes them more desirable, who knows. Rule of thumb is 4 sq ft coop and 10 sq ft run per bird.