multiple questions

[jcschild]

Hey Guys,
been looking thru numerous threads. still not finding the answer. the majority is about coop design.
i intend to have combo girls (meat and eggs) and of course a rooster is needed.
my goal is to be self sufficient (never have to buy chics again for multiple reasons)
my intended size of coop is either 10x20 or 12 x 16. i want room for 50 girls (of course i can eat the boys too)
contemplating doing 1/2 now with just eggs and adding on later to increase size for the meat aspect
i see a lot of comments about separating the broody hens.
should i keep the 2 sides separate or 1 long coop. bear in mind i only want 1 type hen for both.

also what hen is recommended for both
how many nest boxes
thanks so much
Scott

 

[TK421]

My strong advice is to build a setup with multiple compartments for maximum flexibility. Integrating different aged birds every time you do a round of meat birds is tough, and you may decide that you want to try a different breed at some point, or feed the meat birds different feed. Since you’re trying to operate without buying chicks, I do think a small broody area or a broody pen would be good. In this recommendation, the decision becomes how big is the compartment? a Small broody area could double as a sick pen when you’re not raising meat birds. I’ve always wanted a large coop that Is divided in half or thirds but where I could open the divisions if I wanted. Maximum flexibility in case my goals change or in case I want to try something new in 5 years.

nest boxes: I’ve read 3-4 hens/nest box. if you’re shooting for 50 birds total, and what? Maybe 2/3 will be female?? So 8-10 nestboxes?

 

[ChickForLife]

I say a 10x20

 

[Anime2lover]

Hey Guys,
been looking thru numerous threads. still not finding the answer. the majority is about coop design.
i intend to have combo girls (meat and eggs) and of course a rooster is needed.
my goal is to be self sufficient (never have to buy chics again for multiple reasons)
my intended size of coop is either 10x20 or 12 x 16. i want room for 50 girls (of course i can eat the boys too)
contemplating doing 1/2 now with just eggs and adding on later to increase size for the meat aspect
i see a lot of comments about separating the broody hens.
should i keep the 2 sides separate or 1 long coop. bear in mind i only want 1 type hen for both.

also what hen is recommended for both
how many nest boxes
thanks so much
Scott

Easter eggers ans black australorps are excellent for meat and eggs.