Is the coop big enough?

[Dexters Mom]

Our coop is some perches away from being finished!
It measures 4x6 ft. with two 14x14 in. nesting boxes.
The run is 10x6 ft., covered, and we plan to free range as long as we are at home. (Most of the day, I am a SAHM)
We have 6 Red Links, 2 Silkies and 4 Bantams. (Still indoors in brooders)
One Bantam and one Silkie seem to be little Roosters and since we can not keep them here, they will go to my husbands co-workers little farm.
I have seen coops on this site that are smaller (3x4ft.) with smaller runs, that house up to 8 birds.
On Saturday I got to paint the inside of coop, and I feel like it will be too small for 6 Layers, 1 Silkie and 3 Bantams.
I am worried that I might have to send some girls away with my two Roos! (I am already having a hard time giving up my boys!!!!)

 

[ChickiesNSA]

I personally do not think it will be an issue since you plan to free range during the day. I have a chicken tractor that is only 3x8 the roost box (where they sleep) is approximately 3x3. I close them in overnight but they free range from morning till they go to bed. I only had them closed in the tractor for the first 3 weeks they were outside. This allowed them to get to know their safe home, after that I started leaving the doors open and they would venture out little by little. Before we knew it they were all over the yard. It has worked out great for us. We currently have 6 bantams and two very big EE's. Good luck, and try not to jump the gun, put them out there and see how they do.

 

[donrae]

I would consider getting rid of some more birds. Your space is good for about 6 full size birds. Adding the bantams into that just seems to be a recipe for behaviors and stressed birds. You may have seen ads for those tiny coops that say they house that many birds, but if you've looked around much you also see those of us who are experienced with birds hating those things. Folks that buy them and stock high density are soon on the boards asking for help with feather picking, pecking each other, poor laying, bullying, things like that.

I understand you plan to free range, but that won't be all day every day. I think your birds will be much happier if you reduce the numbers or change the housing.