Howdy Y'all, from Willis, TX

[KreetchaKeepa]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place explore and hang out.
The given in coop is 4 square foot per

When I was researching space requirements, I never found a hard rule. I wanted an 8x8, but DH insisted that 4x8 was plenty. Cut a deal with him and built out whereby another 4x8 will be an easy addition. They're only inside when sleeping or laying. We have a wireless baby cam inside and despite all the roosting space, they seem to like being close. It's not smelly in there and no flies. What signs should I look for to know the space is too small?

 

[DobieLover]

You really want more space during inclement weather or when you have to lock them down because of a predator attack.
If they start to get anxiety from being overcrowded you will see things like cannibalism, feather plucking, and other types of bullying due to being crowded.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

Welcome to BYC, and I know what you mean about buying more chickens than you really wanted or needed, I did the same thing back in May this year and all was good till they grew up, now they are overcrowded and I'm re homing right at half or my flock this coming Monday, I hope you don't have the same thing happen to you that it did for me.

I hope I'm all good, if not, I'll add on. Though, I don't mind rehoming my Wyandotte's. They're not friendly like all the others.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

You really want more space during inclement weather or when you have to lock them down because of a predator attack.
If they start to get anxiety from being overcrowded you will see things like cannibalism, feather plucking, and other types of bullying due to being crowded.

Thank you for that information. Will they go in of their own accord if they're unhappy about the weather? When we've had rain, I thought they'd go in, but they frolicked about like any other time. So far, no predators. I think Georgia keeps potential predators away. We're on 5 acres of densely wooded property. Lots of crows, never seen a hawk. Raccoons come at night, but far away from the ladies. They raid the wild bird feeders. I have a predator apron around the entire run and coop. So far, no ddigging has been seen.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

Welcome! Thanks for joining! I love your user name!

Thank you!

 

[DobieLover]

Will they go in of their own accord if they're unhappy about the weather?

Yes. But they stay out in what you or I would consider bad weather. They just need enough space when they can't get out.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

Yes. But they stay out in what you or I would consider bad weather. They just need enough space when they can't get out.

Ok, good. I thought they'd go in during hard rain, but they don't, nor do I. I'm guessing with all the trees that they prefer shelter under them, especially considering the record heat we've experienced this summer. We positioned their coop according to our normal wind flow and precipitation.I can't imagine a time when they can't be out. The freeze we experienced In TX a couple of years ago is a rarity that I've not seen in my lifetime...I'm 52.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

 

[Marie2020]

Hi, all! I'm new to keeping chickens. Got my first lil babies in April. Planned to just have 6, but kept going to the feed store and couldn't resist the cuteness. I have 16 ladies:
3 Golden Sexlinks
3 Silver Laced Wyandotte's
1 Barred Rock
2 Rhode Island Reds
All of the above have been laying since August.

1 Cream Legbar
2 Barnevelder's
1 Salmon Favorelles
2 Blue Copper Marans
1 Lavender Orpington
These girls aren't laying yet, but I have one Blue Copper Marans squatting for 3 days, so hopefully soon!

My girls have a 4x8 coop with 4 nest boxes and a 20x8 run. I open the run gate around noon each day and they free range until they're back in the coop for the night. I have no rooster, but my girls are under the watchful eye of my 5 month old Doberman, Georgia.

I joined to talk "chicken" with other chicken lovers and maybe get some answers that I haven't found after months of scouring the internet.



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I'm a little late but better late than never

It's really nice too have met you here and a very warm

See you somewhere on BYC