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Trixy21

Trixy21

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Mar 17, 2015
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Hi all,
My name is Trixy, I am 23 and live in Nebraska. I am preparing to purchase my first laying hens. I am trying to research as much as possible, and would love any advice you all have. I will attach a picture of the coop I recently purchased,I was curious on how many hens would fit here comfortably for a long period of time? Also, what first time experiences have you had with your dogs?

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I was thinking 2 chickens, but the husband thinks we should get 3. One for him, one for me, and one for our 2 year old little one.
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With those dimensions - 3 chickens would be pushing it. When chickens are crowded they fight, feather peck, and can even escalate to cannibalism. One of the hens can belong to 2 of you but, your son gets to be "official" owner.

Rule of thumb is 4-5sq.feet per bird not counting nest boxes or roosts. In outdoor run they should have 10 sq.feet per bird. More room is always better than less. You will get addicted to chickens and find you'll need more coop and run space.
 
Hi :welcome Trixy

Glad you could join the flock! I too agree with drumstick on that three would be pushing it. You will have far healthier and happier birds with the more space that you can give them. Feather pecking and fighting can really escalate rapidly.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your new chicken adventure and hope you enjoy BYC, I am sure you will everyone here to help and very friendly :frow
 
Welcome to BYC
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I agree with the above. That coop is a bit small, even for bantams. If you're feeling handy, building a coop is quite easy and cheap (depending on size and design) and we have some wonderful designs here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops
 
Thank you all for your help! I will probably just stick with two, so they will be comfortable. If I become addicted I will have to upgrade. The lady that we bought the from had 6 full grown chickens in there before she got a bigger one
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Although I'd love for us to be able to build a bigger coop ourselves, my handyman husband would rather work on cars. Maybe I can find a way to easily add on to the one we already have. I also plan on letting the chickens free range in our huge yard during the day, assuming our dog will permit that. If not I will fence off out a large area for them. Do the hens usually stay in the run at night or do they sleep in the closed quarters? Also, how high of a barrier should I put around my garden so they won't be able to get into it? I purchaced a large metal trashcan yesterday to use to compost thier litter, what is the best way to compost?
 
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Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Chickens like to sleep indoors at night if possible. Chickens can't fly well but they can jump so depending on your breeds that you plan to keep, the fence should be at least 4-6 feet tall. And then you should check out this composting with chickens link https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/composting-with-chickens
 

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