Is my coop all wrong?!

[3KillerBs]

Where is that data from? I'd like take a look.

These numbers go back to very early poultry science -- from before commercial operators had forced-air ventilation and the various mechanical aids to keep hens raised in intensive confinement alive.

Here is a 100-year-old book to look at: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/poultry-for-the-farm-and-home.1443907/

Raising layers packed together like sardines requires force air ventilation, mechanical aids to dispose of their waste, and practices such as debeaking to prevent cannibalism.

 

[DobieLover]

1 sqare foot per chicken is what I've always used, but mine just sleep in the coop and live outside all day

That's what commercial egg factories use. The ones that have to de-beak the birds to keep them from cannablizing each other.

 

[TooCheep]

Where is that data from? I'd like take a look.

You mean the guidelines for space? They are based on years of experience with backyard chicken raising. Commercially-built coops use factory farm spacing which is why they *always* overstate how many chickens can be kept.

The larger space recommendations that we use are to be more humane and to minimize chicken behavioral problems from overcrowding.

 

[Tundrawooky]

Ok so it's your opinion? Makes sense, more room is better right?

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Ok so it's your opinion? Makes sense, more room is better right?

More room is always better. The more you can provide, the happier your hens are. Sure, so commercial factories (and you, I guess?) pack them in like sardines. Just because they’re alive doesn‘t mean they’re happy. Alive is a pretty low bar.
The recommended minimum for chicken keepers is somewhere between 5-10 square feet per bird. My city requires at least 4square feet. Mine have about 30 square feet per bird, and it’s a small flock. I’ve never had feather loss or bullying issues. Alive, and well.
Whereas in situations where the hens get less than 2 square feet each, they have to cut part of their beaks off so they don’t kill each other.
Do it whatever way you want. Nobody can stop you. Really, it’s on you in the end if your hens are unhappy or unhealthy. All we did was try to help.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

I'm telling you, I could KICK myself for not putting more thought into it (and for not joining BYC *before* I bought the coop). I've seen SO many innovative people do things with sheds for 1/2 the cost that I've put into my coop and modifications.

Live and learn . On the plus side having this coop will prevent me from getting *too many more chooks! Lol

That's where the second coop comes in....trust me!

 

[ChickyCh00k]

That's where the second coop comes in....trust me!

Right?! Who am I kidding? I'm already planning the second coop in my head and we haven't even put the pullets in the first one yet . My husband would explode of he knew I was already thinking about more.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Welcome! I know you mentioned being new, we're glad you joined!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Right?! Who am I kidding? I'm already planning the second coop in my head and we haven't even put the pullets in the first one yet . My husband would explode of he knew I was already thinking about more.

Read the post I made just above yours!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Right?! Who am I kidding? I'm already planning the second coop in my head and we haven't even put the pullets in the first one yet . My husband would explode of he knew I was already thinking about more.

I'm planning my third. New business in town makes all kinds of sheds. Right out in front is one that matches my Overez coop perfectly. I could easily convert it to coop/storage as my living room currently houses all of my chook stuff.