is this size OK?

[ebonykawai]

Is a 4X4, 6ft high coop OK for 6 chickens? I was going to have some roosts go up like steps and have the nests about 18" - 2ft off the floor. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Cara]

It sounds cramped to me, and you'll be doing a lot of cleaning out with a coop that small. Also, you might want to make it big enough for more birds, because you'll probably be wanting some.

 

[ebonykawai]

Really? The Chick-n-Barn is about the same size around (but mine is taller by 2 ft) and it says it's for 10 chickens.

http://www.mypetchicken.com/Coops_without_Chickens-Chick_N_Barn_With_Run-P316.aspx

Hmm. I really thought this would be OK for 6. Poo.

 

[Chirpy]

The general rule of thumb is 4 sq. feet per bird for the inside area and (I believe) 3 sq. feet per bird for outside run area.

If you have all bantams then you could potentially go with something a little smaller BUT ... IMO bigger is only going to be an advantage for your birds and you. So I wouldn't put more than four chickens in a 4x4 space, it's just not worth the risk of feather picking, etc. if they have to be locked up in there for an extended length of time.

Plus, as already stated, you will want more birds so you should plan ahead!!

 

[Cara]

The Chik-n-Barn is awfully cramped. You want to allow 3-4 sq ft minimum per bird, or you will have picking and possibly disease to contend with. Your feeder and waterer will probably take up 1 sq ft each.

 

[jeaucamom]

4 sq ft per bird is ideal. Lots of people have less and do fine, but they can get cramped and start pecking though, it's up to you. Alot also depends on how much outside space they have and how often they will be able to go out.

I have 11 (got a few unplanned ones via rescue) in a 8x4 which is not an ideal space and my girls all get along just fine. They don't get to go out as often anymore because of hawks, but in a few weeks will have a big beautiful coop and covered run.

Anyway.... a 4x4 may be fine especially if it is tall.

Good Luck.

 

[speckledhen]

I always try to go by 4 sq ft inside and 10 sq ft outside in an enclosure. Mine freerange part of every day, so I could probably go with a few extra birds in my coop, but there are days when you may not want to let them out. Those days are when you'll be glad you allocated more space rather than less for them.