how many hens max can I overwinter with my setup?

[beanmcnulty]

I am trying to determine how many to keep for winter (how many pullets to sell) since I may end up with too many! (chicken math victim) I have a 70 sq ft coop with 150 sq ft run that they are confined to for 10 hours a day/4 days a week. 5-9 pm on the 4 days and for all day on the other 3 days they are allowed to totally free range- I have over 3 acres but they do not go past the acre we inhabit. I currently have 30 half grown birds that seem quite happy with this arrangement but they are half grown and I am getting more chicks soon. So what sounds like the most I could keep?? Thanks

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

Jeez, I'd say that 30 is pushing it. 70 sq feet, that's only like 2ish feet per bird. I think that would be as close as you could really cut it, and you'd have to keep an eye on them as far as pecking and fighting.

 

[beanmcnulty]

chickensducks&agoose :

Jeez, I'd say that 30 is pushing it. 70 sq feet, that's only like 2ish feet per bird. I think that would be as close as you could really cut it, and you'd have to keep an eye on them as far as pecking and fighting.

Thanks- is that because they probably wont be leaving the coop much during the winter? Right now they are never in there except to sleep.​

 

[Judy]

Where are you? If they will be "snowed in" during the winter I wouldn't dare try to keep 30 in there. More like 10. In a warm climate, 2 sf can be enough if the have plenty of run.

 

[beanmcnulty]

Quote:
Well we are in central Ohio and we generally do not get a lot of snow but it does get very icy and cold. Last few have been especially bad for all of it! Makes me think we are going into an ice age
Yeah I was thinking on keeping about 15, but I want to maximize my possibilities for future breeding. Now I am thinking I might just have to build another coop! (And my hubby will kill me) lol

 

[sonew123]

I will agree with the other posters 10-12 MAX I would stick in the coop...

 

[Anianna]

Yea, if they are going to be locked up in there for any length of time, you want to have about 5 sq ft or more per bird. They will be unhappy otherwise and will probably fuss and fight and pick at each other. If you have cold hardy breeds, they can probably spend at least part of the winter out during the day. Put petroleum jelly on their combs to prevent frostbite.

 

[beanmcnulty]

So build another coop it is!

 

[Fred's Hens]

I agree. Build bigger quarters for wintering over. Hens fight horrid boredom when being snowed in for weeks and weeks. I allow 8 square feet per hen, and it still leaves them wanting for more. A 7x10 coop is great for a half dozen. Sure you want to cut down that much? Laying falls off, typically, in the winter as well. I like carrying more, not less, birds through the winter to keep production up and increased body heat.

Doing chores is harder though, fighting frozen water, etc. There is something to be said for a small winter flock.

 

[beanmcnulty]

Fred's Hens :

I agree. Build bigger quarters for wintering over. Hens fight horrid boredom when being snowed in for weeks and weeks. I allow 8 square feet per hen, and it still leaves them wanting for more. A 7x10 coop is great for a half dozen. Sure you want to cut down that much? Laying falls off, typically, in the winter as well. I like carrying more, not less, birds through the winter to keep production up and increased body heat.

Doing chores is harder though, fighting frozen water, etc. There is something to be said for a small winter flock.

I would prefer to keep more than 12 so I will likely build something that hubby will probably label an "eyesore" lol​