How many is too many?

[365username]

Thanks! I’m in the okanagan BC so it’s nice and mild. The tractor can accommodate 6 at a time. They also have space in their run directly under their coop so I guess the square footage is double. They’ll be shaded there and be able to dust bathe

That sounds great!

 

[Zan]

To many? Hmmm, anything over 50 for me gets to be to many. To much cleanup and to high a feed bill.

 

[TheRealCliffordWilliams]

It depends on management practices. If the coop and run are stationary they will tear up the grass pretty quickly, so it may be best to put down 12 - 24 inches of wood chips (a carbonaceous diaper) to soak up the nitrogenous waste and avoid a mud pit...If they are fed weeds and kitchen scraps and have compost piles to turn and stuff to keep them occupied, you may fit 12 - 19 birds in there comfortably, depending on the size chicken. If you want them to be more hands off, stocking less birds will cause less problems (in so many ways).
With the tractor, you could raise 14 meat birds in there if you are moving them every day. In my experience I never had as consistent laying in a tractor as I did a stationary coop. I think the hens feel safer when their home isn't running around on them, and I have never been satisfied with layers in a tractor. I keep my layers in the barn at night and they run around during the day, and just use the tractor for meat birds.

 

[aart]

so it may be best to put down 12 - 24 inches of wood chips (a carbonaceous diaper) to soak up the nitrogenous waste and avoid a mud pit

Wood chippings work great in a run, doesn't need to be a foot or two deep tho.
Best to start with a few inches then add some as needed.
Fresh chippings can create toxic mold issues if piled too deep before some aging.

 

[Plottwist]

It depends on management practices. If the coop and run are stationary they will tear up the grass pretty quickly, so it may be best to put down 12 - 24 inches of wood chips (a carbonaceous diaper) to soak up the nitrogenous waste and avoid a mud pit...If they are fed weeds and kitchen scraps and have compost piles to turn and stuff to keep them occupied, you may fit 12 - 19 birds in there comfortably, depending on the size chicken. If you want them to be more hands off, stocking less birds will cause less problems (in so many ways).
With the tractor, you could raise 14 meat birds in there if you are moving them every day. In my experience I never had as consistent laying in a tractor as I did a stationary coop. I think the hens feel safer when their home isn't running around on them, and I have never been satisfied with layers in a tractor. I keep my layers in the barn at night and they run around during the day, and just use the tractor for meat birds.

I only have birds for eggs. I can’t free range. Way too many raptors. I just don’t want a rooster. I’m hoping 22 chickens can be ok without a rooster

 

[rosemarythyme]

I only have birds for eggs. I can’t free range. Way too many raptors. I just don’t want a rooster. I’m hoping 22 chickens can be ok without a rooster

Absolutely. Roosters are only truly required if you want fertile eggs.

 

[TheRealCliffordWilliams]

I only have birds for eggs. I can’t free range. Way too many raptors. I just don’t want a rooster. I’m hoping 22 chickens can be ok without a rooster

If aerial predators are an issue a rooster may be a good thing...

 

[aart]

If aerial predators are an issue a rooster may be a good thing...

Nah....just a speed bump on the way to the buffet.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If aerial predators are an issue a rooster may be a good thing...

OP isn't free ranging anyway so tractors or a covered run would provide better protection on that front.