New coop

[Ampc122701]

The current coop I have is over 20 years old from previous owner. I’m looking to down grade. I have 8 hens. 2 are bantams and an RIR roo. Is a 4x4 coop too small? The run is large and I also let them out of the run while I’m outside.

 

[Spartan22]

9 chickens in a 4x4 coop might be too small for that much chickens, especially your in Pennsylvania that gets lots of snow and rain in the winter. Unless your run is big and covered and protected from wind in the winter you should be good. Is the coop tall and lots of perches?

 

[Ampc122701]

The run is big but not at all covered or protected from the elements. Previous owners had zero perches for her chickens so right now I have one that runs the length of the coop. Any suggestions on a good size for 9 chickens? 6x4?

 

[Ampc122701]

We definitely need a new coop. The current one is falling apart. Previous owners built it and it’s not Worth trying to fix. I’ve read that too big of a coop is bad especially during winter months because they can’t generate enough heat to keep warm which is so with their current coop

 

[Spartan22]

The run is big but not at all covered or protected from the elements. Previous owners had zero perches for her chickens so right now I have one that runs the length of the coop. Any suggestions on a good size for 9 chickens? 6x4?

That might be more doable, can you stand in that coop? I have a second coop that I repurpose from swing set, size is 6’x7’ with 10 chickens in it including a rooster. I thought this was even too small for them in the winter but great on other seasons.

 

[cmom]

I like coops I can walk in, but that is my personal preference.

 

[snow5164]

I have a 8x8 with 15 birds and an 8x8 with 9... one side has more poop but other then that everybody’s fine . 15 rocks fill the whole 8 foot perch while the Rhode Island’s fill one end . There are no hard and fast rules .... I like my size , we have long winters up north here. Good luck and have fun

 

[snow5164]

Can I suggest our lay out to you ? After two years we gutted the coop and build a long roost, nesting box and dusting area on one wall . Sand on top with a 2x4 edge to roost , over nesting boxes . Works great

 

[Spartan22]

I’ve read that too big of a coop is bad especially during winter months because they can’t generate enough heat to keep warm which is so with their current coop

I’m not sure about that, Bigger higher coop with great ventilations are actually better. My main coop is 10x12, 10’ high with 4 windows
and 3 doors, never worried about frost bites or chicken getting cold @sub zero temps, never had problem with them generating heat. On my first year with chickens I had 10 hens in it and that was the year we had back to back cold winters, -20s at night.

 

[aart]

I’ve read that too big of a coop is bad especially during winter months because they can’t generate enough heat to keep warm which is so with their current coop

Not true.
They keep most their heat inside their feathers.
....and good year round ventilation(which is essential) makes 'holding heat' moot.

Is your old coop a walk in?
How long have you had chickens?