How many is too many?

[Plottwist]

I initially decided on a flock of 18 without a rooster but I’d like to have more and still not have a rooster. How many is too many? I have lots of space to keep them safe. Foraging in chicken tractor and runs. Lots of roosting and nesting spaces. Thank you!

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

There is no such thing as too many... provided you have more than enough space, and can handle the extra bill and eggs. You have so many options of breeds without the hassle of a rooster. Sound like you have a nice setup and can handle them. Enjoy your chickens!

 

[aart]

I initially decided on a flock of 18 without a rooster but I’d like to have more and still not have a rooster. How many is too many? I have lots of space to keep them safe. Foraging in chicken tractor and runs. Lots of roosting and nesting spaces. Thank you!

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?

 

[Plottwist]

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?

The coop is 8x12 with 6 nesting boxes. The outdoor space is about the same and we also have a separate chicken tractor we set in the orchard that is about 4 ft wide and 7 feet long with roosts and 2 boxes

 

[365username]

You can never have to many!

 

[aart]

The coop is 8x12 with 6 nesting boxes. The outdoor space is about the same and we also have a separate chicken tractor we set in the orchard that is about 4 ft wide and 7 feet long with roosts and 2 boxes

Coop sounds good for 18.
Run might be tight tho.
How many will you put in tractor.....and how will you get them in there?

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Plottwist
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[aart]

You can never have to many!

Depends on space......had too many one winter, it was ugly.

 

[365username]

Depends on space......had too many one winter, it was ugly.

Yes it does depend on space, you need a bit more space than usual to have more than one rooster

 

[50-45-1]

are you a first time chicken owner?
If You have no chicken expierence, know that 18 baby chicks are relitevly easy to care for and dont need much room.
18 adult chickens eat more, poop more, need lots or room to avoid health and behavior problems. And what looks like plenty of room to a human prospective, may to a flock of chickens be adiquate.... or not.
How many hours a day or week do you want devoted to coop and run cleanup and maintenance?
How much are you prepared to spend on feed each week?
How strong is your back?
Its all about what fits easily and comfortably in your financial/family/work life situation.
I would recomend starting small and building up to what feels right.
For me that good enjoyment balance is 12 chickens and a handful of guineas.
good luck!

 

[Plottwist]

Coop sounds good for 18.
Run might be tight tho.
How many will you put in tractor.....and how will you get them in there?

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Plottwist
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2145808

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