Is this a problem? Run size and too many chickens

[WellingtonCoop]

Hi everyone!
We adopted a few chickens last minute from someone who needed them gone immediately. We now have 8 chickens. We never intended to have more than 6 hens when we first built our enclosure, so I’m a bit worried about the size of our run. The coop is 5 x 8, but the run is only 8 x 8. We let them free-range here and there, but they are mainly in their enclosed run. The group has been together for a few days now.

We did a quarantine and the “look don’t touch” introduction for a full week before introducing them. We integrated them and they are doing well enough. They are still bickering and establishing pecking order now that they’re in the same area. A few big squabbles and some comb nipping. We have two very strong flock leaders in the two separate groups. But they survived their first few nights together really well and were unharmed in the morning. We just don’t know how they’ll be together long term quite yet.

Am I going to run into problems with a run that is too small? Will it adversely impact their happiness and health?

So grateful for your insights!

 

[3KillerBs]

Am I going to run into problems with a run that is too small? Will it adversely impact their happiness and health?

Welcome to BYC.

Most likely you will eventually have issues -- if only with sanitation due to the amount of manure for the amount of space. But if there are no immediate issues and the integration is going smoothly you have time to consider your best options.

If you can expand it would be a good idea but should probably be OK for at least the short term as long as you've got the free-ranging happening.

 

[Mellowmalt]

They need enough hiding spaces but a lot of the time they flock together so like 3killerB's says the main issue will be the poo building up in such a space.
If you can keep on top of it it should be ok but a run extension should be considered if possible.
But you already know this, new chickens generally means they will either need a new coop or an extension. In the short it should create no more issues than the introduction is anyway and seems to be going well.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I kept 8 in a 6x8 coop with an 8x8 run for most of last year. It was not difficult to manage the manure at all.
Prior to those 8 it housed 6 large fowl and 3 bantams. Again it was not difficult to manage the manure.

I raked out the run every 6 months and put new wood chips. At no point was the run stinky or full of visible manure.

While more space would be better it is not an unworkable situation.