Nest size. Need some help.

[Tired old Rooster]

A 3x4 coop part should technically hold 3 chickens max...

BUT, if this is a coop just for good weather, AND you move it often then you can manage to put more in.

You will need to have access to under the coop area to put the feed and water so that the feed does not get wet in the rain.

I have a tractor coop that is 3x4, but the run is bigger than yours, I think 4 x10.

I can successfully squeeze 6 chickens in there without any issues.

BUT it has to be moved often... fresh grass is a great distraction.

Harsh weather that keeps chickens in the coop area for more than a day or 2... and your max amount of chickens for that coop should be two.

My chickens have a big coop and greenhouse for the winter...

I live in central Argentina beyond the mountains. We hit sub zero about five to ten nights in a year. Coop is just for them to sleep at night undisturbed. I have ten inch wheels and a plan for undercarriage that makes her a cinch to move even daily.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Is that square the whole thing or is it just going to be the coop? Will they be shut up in it during the day or free to roam?

If that is the coop and run, that's only enough space for one bird without them eating each other.

Did you see the reply to me right above your questions? (It answers your questions.)

 

[BigBlueHen53]

So how big is the little box on top that will be enclosed for sleeping?

 

[Painted Calls]

Did you see the reply to me right above your questions? (It answers your questions.)

I did the Kiki thing and skipped.

Carry on.

ETA: Just read it. It would be okay for sleeping in. I wouldn't keep them in it during the day. It is quite small.

 

[Tired old Rooster]

I am not sure a chicken wire bottom is needed. They will need to scratch and peck the grass they will be on all day. A wire bottom will be very hard on their feet and prevent them from accessing the grass. Would others please chime in on this?

The bottom will remain totally open.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Since it is going to be on grass, I would imagine they should also have something in there so they can dust bathe. So that is something else besides a feeder and water that is going to take up space.

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Is that square the whole thing or is it just going to be the coop? Will they be shut up in it during the day or free to roam?

If that is the coop and run, that's only enough space for one bird without them eating each other.

twenty square feet is only enough for one chicken?

 

[Tired old Rooster]

So how big is the little box on top that will be enclosed for sleeping?

3 feet and 4 inches x four feet.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sir, since you say you're a newbie, maybe this will help you out. Rule of thumb for space requirements: in an enclosed coop, each bird typically needs four square feet of unencumbered floor space. In a run, plan for ten square feet per bird. Hope this helps!

 

[Painted Calls]

twenty square feet is only enough for one chicken?

Twenty square feet is the absolute minimum for 2. Once you add feeder and waterer, that number goes down. If they are free ranging during the day though you could get away with 2.