How many more hens can fit in this coop?

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I have a 25sq ft raised coop and 301sq ft run (they free range most days outside of winter). I have 6 hens (breeds below) and they are all very docile and sweet - no bullies. I have 3 nesting boxes, and 2 perches, with rafters above that one or two of my hens like to sleep on. All my girls (except the one or two in the rafters) sleep on one perch most nights, leaving the other one totally empty. This might be partly because it is winter, but even on warmer nights they sleep together. My question is: can I reasonably get more chicks in the spring? If so, how many? I really want a little bantam of some kind, but would she get bullied by the bigger hens? I guess I cant know until it happens, but what have been your experiences?

Here you can see the two perches below and the rafters up above. I never intended the rafters to be used for sleep, but here we are.

Breeds: Dark Brahma, Lav Orp, Buff Orp, Olive Egger, Easter Egger, and a Gold Laced Blue Wyandotte

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have a 25sq ft raised coop

A 25 sq ft coop means something like a 5 ft x 5 ft coop. That looks a lot larger. Are you sure of the measurements?

If it truly is that small then you are maxed out. I would not try to add any more.

 

[FrostRanger]

Agreed, you are at max capacity and I would not add another bird, especially if said bird is the only bantam in the flock as there's a fair chance she'll be bullied. Integration is the worst possible time to have too little room as they need that room more than ever. If you want more birds you will need a bigger coop. Perhaps you could get a second setup for a bantam flock. It's not that you are guaranteed that your other girls will bully them, it's just more likely since they didn't grow up with them

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

A 25 sq ft coop means something like a 5 ft x 5 ft coop. That looks a lot larger. Are you sure of the measurements?

If it truly is that small then you are maxed out. I would not try to add any more.

I'm pretty sure - I think it just looks big from that angle. Here is a picture from the outside that might give you a better idea of the size.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Your birds are sleeping in the rafters bc your windows are letting wind blow right on them if they sleep on the roosts, at least it looks that way to me. When the wind ruffles their feathers, it blows cold air right on their bare skin. This is very bad. Ideally, ventilation needs to be over their heads do humidity and ammonia-laden air can rise sndcescape. Also I believe you have an openning in that little tower above, are you sure it's not blowing on them either?

 

[AinaWGSD]

The generally recommended minimum is 4sq ft per bird in the coop and 10sq ft per bird in the run. That puts your coop at maximum capacity. And your run well under the max capacity of 30! But the amount of room in the coop is what's setting/limiting your capacity in this setup.

 

[Gardeal]

I have a 25sq ft raised coop and 301sq ft run (they free range most days outside of winter). I have 6 hens (breeds below) and they are all very docile and sweet - no bullies. I have 3 nesting boxes, and 2 perches, with rafters above that one or two of my hens like to sleep on. All my girls (except the one or two in the rafters) sleep on one perch most nights, leaving the other one totally empty. This might be partly because it is winter, but even on warmer nights they sleep together. My question is: can I reasonably get more chicks in the spring? If so, how many? I really want a little bantam of some kind, but would she get bullied by the bigger hens? I guess I cant know until it happens, but what have been your experiences?

Here you can see the two perches below and the rafters up above. I never intended the rafters to be used for sleep, but here we are.
View attachment 4264338

Breeds: Dark Brahma, Lav Orp, Buff Orp, Olive Egger, Easter Egger, and a Gold Laced Blue Wyandotte

Probably, we can keep two more chickens

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Your birds are sleeping in the rafters bc your windows are letting wind blow right on them if they sleep on the roosts, at least it looks that way to me.

That picture is old. Those windows are closed all fall and winter and only open in the summer.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

That picture is old. Those windows are closed all fall and winter and only open in the summer.

So ... what ventilation do they have in the winter?

 

[charlie1051]

I have a 25sq ft raised coop and 301sq ft run (they free range most days outside of winter). I have 6 hens (breeds below) and they are all very docile and sweet - no bullies. I have 3 nesting boxes, and 2 perches, with rafters above that one or two of my hens like to sleep on. All my girls (except the one or two in the rafters) sleep on one perch most nights, leaving the other one totally empty. This might be partly because it is winter, but even on warmer nights they sleep together. My question is: can I reasonably get more chicks in the spring? If so, how many? I really want a little bantam of some kind, but would she get bullied by the bigger hens? I guess I cant know until it happens, but what have been your experiences?

Here you can see the two perches below and the rafters up above. I never intended the rafters to be used for sleep, but here we are.
View attachment 4264338

Breeds: Dark Brahma, Lav Orp, Buff Orp, Olive Egger, Easter Egger, and a Gold Laced Blue Wyandotte

Dang that thing is built to withstand a defcon 9, class 10, nuclear bomb!!! Love it. I think I know who built it. Hey not to argue with or ruffle any feathers here..... cram that sucker full 'o chickens!

You got 6 in there and they free range all day? Chicken math says you can do 6 more....easy peasy. They're only sleeping in there yea? And yea not to make anyone angry, at least in the USA... but my 1/2 a cent worth says... you got room for more ladies.