Large enough for a coop?

[ejnovinsky]

My plans to have a few chickens this summer are progressing. I had an idea for a coop. Its a playhouse I built for my kids a couple years ago that theyve outgrown. Its 4x6 and about 4 feet high or so at the peak. I was going to modify the door. Cover the windows in 1/2 inch hardware cloth and build a nest box out the back. Would the size described be big enough for 6 medium chickens?

 

[Michael OShay]

Barely enough. The minimum recommended coop space (assuming they are going to be let out during the day as it appears is the case from your picture) is 4 square ft. per chicken (floor area) which is what you have. Of course, more is always better.

 

[ejnovinsky]

Maybe I should reduce my expectations to 4 or 5 then....i dont want them to be overcrowded. The picture is just the little house im using as the coop. It will be off the ground within a fenced run before an chickens are living in it

 

[Michael OShay]

Partly it depends on which breeds you are going to have. If you are getting very docile breeds like Black Australorps or Buff Orpingtons then six would probably be okay. If you are going to get Rhode Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks they can get on the aggressive side if you push the limits on crowding them. Flighty breeds like Leghorns are even worse if crowded.