Is my coop big enough?

[greeneggsnham]

Ok so my coop is 17.5 ft x 11.5 feet and my run is 20ft by 20ft. I am worried I will have to expand and right now I have 27 chicks in the brooder. The coop I am using is the remodeled front room of a old chicken house that hasn't been used in years. I have plenty of room to expand both the coop and the run if I need to. I am also looking for someone to sell me two silkies so they will go out with them also. So I guess what I really need to know is...Will 29 chickens fit in the housing area I have for them.

 

[Intheswamp]

According to miscellaneous rules floating around you are in good shape for 29 birds. I'd keep it down around that number or lower, though, to keep from having any crowding problems. Much easier to have a less dense population than to have a crowded one. If you live in an area where the chickens will have to stay inside for extended periods of time then definitely don't go any higher in numbers.

More room is *always* better, but as it stands, you should be ok.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[4-H chicken mom]

You should be fine. I think the requirements for chickens are 4 sq ft per bird in the coop and 10sq ft run space. If I correct in my thinking, it will be enough.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

That sounds plenty big! They should have plenty of room to have lots of fun. The rule is about 3-4 Sq feet per chicken inside and 10 sq foot per chicken outside

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
But remember that those figures are listed as *minimum* square footages.

Ed

 

[greeneggsnham]

Thanks guys that makes me feel a lot better. Oh and I forgot to mention that they will be allowed to run around in the yard a lot too. I don't intend for them to stay in there all the time, it's just for days I have to work late or days I won't be home to watch them.