Is this big enough for three hens?

[So Cal Chick'ns]

Hi all...I usually try and find my answers from archived posts so as not to bug everyone, but I can't find anything that helps me with this question...
I have a small backyard flock (2 right now) and I'd like to add a 3rd (that would be the grand total). I have a VERY small, pre-fab coop with an attached run, but I already feel like it's not big enough. I let the girls "free range" my yard morning and early eve until they take themselves back to the coop, but I still feel like they are too restrained in the coop/run while I'm at work. Can you all look at this configuration and let me know your thoughts? THANKS!

 

[Opa]

Very pretty setup and more than adequate for birds

 

[allieloveschickens]

it may be a bit tight for three birds, especially if you are introducing a lone third chicken, not much space for her to escape if she is attacked by the others. If they free range all the time it would be fine though. Maybe you could just build an extended run for while you are at work? They don't need as much space in the coop as long as you have mild winters. Very pretty set up by the way!

 

[teach1rusl]

I agree - I would expand your run before attempting to add another bird. Chickens are notorious for being really mean to newbies, and the newbie needs space to get away if being pecked at/picked on. Your two are probably doing okay because they're buddies, because the run actually looks pretty tight as is. You'll want about 30 sq. ft of run area for three birds if they're contained during the work day.
Does that coop housing have about 3 ft of roost space??? You'll want between 30-36 inches (of roost space) for three birds.

 

[N. Virginia]

Very nice! I agree that the chickens need a bigger run.

My 3 chickens roost on the top rung + 1/2 way down to the next rung of one regular size ladder, a space about 1.5 feet long total, so the coop itself looks perfectly adequate for 3 chickens once they are all friends. (Mine squish up together when they could roost anywhere on the ladder - when I had 11 chickens they used a total of 3 rungs of the ladder, infrequently 4 rungs. )

Your new chicken will be picked on.

Here is my advice: you should expand your yard and then divide it in 2, put the new chicken in one side with a temporary house, let them get to know eachother through the fence. Then let the new chicken out with one other chicken in the yard one day, then with the second chicken the next, and rotate them until neither pair fights, then they can all get together in the yard, then finally all get together locked up.

Good luck!
Cheers,
N. VA

 

[So Cal Chick'ns]

Well...I just love you guys...you're all great for giving me your thoughts and ideas! I will definitely work on expanding the yard before bringing a newbie into the picture.
I've been looking at all your pages and of your amazing and beautiful coops/runs...wow!!! I want one!
One question...can I borrow a husband until he makes me one of those...I promise to give him back!

 

[ThinkingChickens]

So Cal Chick'ns :

Well...I just love you guys...you're all great for giving me your thoughts and ideas! I will definitely work on expanding the yard before bringing a newbie into the picture.
I've been looking at all your pages and of your amazing and beautiful coops/runs...wow!!! I want one!
One question...can I borrow a husband until he makes me one of those...I promise to give him back!

Ha ha ha. Did you check the Los Angeles CL? There is a coop builder on there who is super nice. I believe he's under Coops by Billy. He's a really nice guy, the coops look great and he builds runs!​

 

[sheila3935]

So Cal Chick'ns :

Well...I just love you guys...you're all great for giving me your thoughts and ideas! I will definitely work on expanding the yard before bringing a newbie into the picture.
I've been looking at all your pages and of your amazing and beautiful coops/runs...wow!!! I want one!
One question...can I borrow a husband until he makes me one of those...I promise to give him back!

I'd let you borrow mine but you probably wouldnt get much work out of him.

I've been trying all summer to get him to add on to mine

Guess I'll have to do it myself.​

 

[GA_in_GA]

So Cal Chick'ns :

Well...I just love you guys...you're all great for giving me your thoughts and ideas! I will definitely work on expanding the yard before bringing a newbie into the picture.
I've been looking at all your pages and of your amazing and beautiful coops/runs...wow!!! I want one!
One question...can I borrow a husband until he makes me one of those...I promise to give him back!

Easier to hire someone than to deal with a husband someone is willing to loan out!​

 

[KDK1]

N. Virginia :

Very nice! I agree that the chickens need a bigger run.

Here is my advice: you should expand your yard and then divide it in 2, put the new chicken in one side with a temporary house, let them get to know eachother through the fence. Then let the new chicken out with one other chicken in the yard one day, then with the second chicken the next, and rotate them until neither pair fights, then they can all get together in the yard, then finally all get together locked up.

Good luck!
Cheers,
N. VA

ditto... Great advice​