Is my coop big enough?? Please reply! 🙏

[BDutch]

Would something like this work if i put roosts in it?
It is 11x7.5 feet
View attachment 4071941

Most plastic sheds deteriorate fast. Indoor climate is lousy (too hot , too cold) unless you have a very mild climate where you live. In wood it’s a lot easier to make changes/attach roosts/make an automatic pop door and make ventilation openings.
+ if you care about the environment: Wood is better than plastic waste.

 

[aart]

I also have an HOA that prevents any large shed structures.

Does the HOA even allow poultry?

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Does the HOA even allow poultry?

No, but it does allow horses, cows, and goats, so I (and many other people in the neighborhood) got chickens anyway.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Can you cancel your order for more pullets? Tight budgets and doubling flock size don’t mix.

Chicken needs >>>>>>>> prissy HOAs any day.

I already have the chicks, they are about 2 weeks old...

 

[thistlewick]

I wrote out a really emotional reply initially. Space requirements for chickens health and happiness is something that I care a lot about. I feel strongly about how *most* people don't actually care if we make our livestock unhappy while they wait to be on our dinner plate, or work their bodies to death giving us eggs.

You can absolutely do whatever you want with your backyard and your chickens.

But you came to the place where there are experts in how to make your backyard chickens *happy AND healthy* so that's the advice that you're going to get.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

So many things here.... In 2009 when I first joined BYC with 6 hens in same dimensions, the majority of people commented nice but honest comments about my coop. The net, it's cute, it's great but not big enough for 6, more like 4, 5 max. And I was surprised, blew it off... THEN like I said, my low gal in the order, what I didn't say is she got pecked TO DEATH. I found her with a broken neck in the morning after I locked then up knowing that she was in between 2 hens pecking on her. It's just not at all about a Taj Mahal and like me, you can choose to stuff as many as you want in there. But you asked for advice and the advice from the majority of comments is to either expand coop size or reduce head count. Last thought, I actually do have that shed. I don't use it as a coop but I would with a little modification. $100 is not even remotely close to what I paid at Lowe's, add a zero! Don't get scammed, no chance is that somewhere for $100. Good Luck! I'm sure you can find the right solution. I turned a dog house into a very big walk in coop with alot of purple home depot wood (the 75% off pile.) Truly not that expensive thanks to the fact that it didn't need to be perfect, just functional and truly big enough for the number of chickens I have.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

So many things here.... In 2009 when I first joined BYC with 6 hens in same dimensions, the majority of people commented nice but honest comments about my coop. The net, it's cute, it's great but not big enough for 6, more like 4, 5 max. And I was surprised, blew it off... THEN like I said, my low gal in the order, what I didn't say is she got pecked TO DEATH. I found her with a broken neck in the morning after I locked then up knowing that she was in between 2 hens pecking on her. It's just not at all about a Taj Mahal and like me, you can choose to stuff as many as you want in there. But you asked for advice and the advice from the majority of comments is to either expand coop size or reduce head count. Last thought, I actually do have that shed. I don't use it as a coop but I would with a little modification. $100 is not even remotely close to what I paid at Lowe's, add a zero! Don't get scammed, no chance is that somewhere for $100. Good Luck! I'm sure you can find the right solution. I turned a dog house into a very big walk in coop with alot of purple home depot wood (the 75% off pile.) Truly not that expensive thanks to the fact that it didn't need to be perfect, just functional and truly big enough for the number of chickens I have.

Thanks for that response, I do want what is best for my hens, but for right now I might have to make due with what I have. I also have a rabbit hutch that I use for my pullets so I will just leave that out there so a couple of them can roost in there. I do plan on expanding my coop ASAP.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I wrote out a really emotional reply initially. Space requirements for chickens health and happiness is something that I care a lot about. I feel strongly about how *most* people don't actually care if we make our livestock unhappy while they wait to be on our dinner plate, or work their bodies to death giving us eggs.

You can absolutely do whatever you want with your backyard and your chickens.

But you came to the place where there are experts in how to make your backyard chickens *happy AND healthy* so that's the advice that you're going to get.

I also want my hens happy and healthy and I plan to expand my coop as soon as I can afford it, for now I have a rabbit hutch that I use for pullets that I will keep out there for extra roost space. I also really appreciate the advice I have gotten and plan to take action.

 

[WindyRoost]

I also want my hens happy and healthy and I plan to expand my coop as soon as I can afford it, for now I have a rabbit hutch that I use for pullets that I will keep out there for extra roost space. I also really appreciate the advice I have gotten and plan to take action.

It may have been said, but making a couple alterations to your coop could help. You might be able to raise the entire coop up and create another enclosed level below with adequate ventilation as needed.
As for material, it’s almost barn cleaning weather. People will start posting materials soon. Or check a restore or materials recycling center, or even a farm store for leftover pallets.
We purchased our coop second hand from a Slavic man who, I imagine, built it like they do in Russia. It is a two story coop which I partially enclosed below to block the wind. Actually, you could say it’s one and a half story- chicken door, nest boxes, feed are all on the lower level and roosts are on the second, half-width level. I think it’s about 4x8 and nest boxes hang off the side, so not much larger than your coop, but is taller.
Just another idea!

 

[Sic]

It's probably fine, albeit a bit unsanitary if you have some roosting in the rafters above those on the roosting bars. But, if you have five feet across then just change the number and location of your roosting bars. Put a roosting bar every 18" - you should have room for 3, that will provide ample roosting space for all and give you time to explore other options and upgrades in the future.