New coop and run

[3KillerBs]

I don't ever leave them locked up and the run is 10x10. They only go in to roost and sleep. My math has worked for my personal case because they have yet to have a real issue between each other. I have no problem culling a bully. I didn't have to yet though. Which my vegetarian soft hearted husband is extremely happy about. Haha

That is still not enough space.

The generally-accepted space allotment for backyard chickens -- because we're aiming to provide them with significantly better conditions than commercial farm conditions -- is 4 square feet per bird in the coop PLUS 10 square feet per bird in the run.

For your 17 chickens you should have 68 square feet in the coop, that's about 7 x 10, PLUS 170 square feet in the run, that's about 12 x 15.

Overcrowding sets up for health and behavioral problems.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

We have a pullet shut down also. We opted for the dark to dawn feature and really like it and recommend it. You must be in a mostly cool normally climate...temperature and humidity climb rapidly at night in our 4'x8' coop with only 9 girls..it was OK until they ALL started laying eggs and they were much bigger. I am going to build/buy a new coop probably 6'x8' or 8'x8' with WAY more/ better ventilation and lots more roosting space...

 

[austrianalps13]

That is still not enough space.

The generally-accepted space allotment for backyard chickens -- because we're aiming to provide them with significantly better conditions than commercial farm conditions -- is 4 square feet per bird in the coop PLUS 10 square feet per bird in the run.

For your 17 chickens you should have 68 square feet in the coop, that's about 7 x 10, PLUS 170 square feet in the run, that's about 12 x 15.

Overcrowding sets up for health and behavioral problems.

Well, we are out there daily a d are keeping a close eye on their health and happiness. So far so good. I'm not timid to change stuff around if it diesnt work. Thanks for the comments everyone

 

[City Farmer Jim]

Its a really nice coop with nice features...thanks for the nesting box information. They will be a needed addition to our new coop.