How many hens??

[Kadaily]

Hi. I’m new to chicken keeping and I’m wondering how many chickens I can keep in my coop? It measures 12x4x8 with the indoor area being about 4x4.
It is actually built using the plans for Heather Bullards coop.
I also have a large fenced area outside of it for them to wonder into.
Just want to be sure i don’t overcrowd theM while inside at night.
I plan to get a mix of regular size and silkie chickens.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RonP]

I would keep 3, 4 at most.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

I found this. Does it help?
http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/...rmine-your-flock-size-and-space-requirements/

 

[song of joy]

That will house 4 regular-size hens.

 

[PirateGirl]

4

 

[Kadaily]

I found this. Does it help?
http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/...rmine-your-flock-size-and-space-requirements/

Thanks so much. That says 2 square feet per bird. If that is true then i can have 8 max. I’m confused! Everyone seems to think 4 max...

 

[Kadaily]

I would keep 3, 4 at most.

Thanks for responding. So the 2 square ft per bird rule is not a good rule to follow??

 

[RonP]

It measures 12x4x8 with the indoor area being about 4x4

4x4=16 square feet
16/4 = 4 birds...

Several issues could occur due to overcrowding.

Most seem to agree that 4 square feet per bird is a good rule of thumb, I personally prefer that as a minimum.

 

[Kadaily]

It measures 12x4x8 with the indoor area being about 4x4

4x4=16 square feet
16/4 = 4 birds...

Several issues could occur due to overcrowding.

Most seem to agree that 4 square feet per bird is a good rule of thumb, I personally prefer that as a minimum.

Ok. I keep seeing 2 SF Per bird for the inside during my research. Maybe that’s an older recommendation. I was going to at least give 3SF per bird but now i will reconsider. Thanks so much.

 

[PirateGirl]

Most things I read while constructing my coop said 4 square feet of inside space per bird for larger/standard size breeds. Also about a foot of roost length per bird. The internet is full of conflicting information, ugh.