Newbie-How many chickens for this coop?

[menagerie2]

Hey all.

As the title suggests, I am new to all of this. I went ahead a purchased a small coop to start us out with the intention of getting 2-4 birds although now that I have though harder, I think we are leaning towards 4.

The sales sheet on this coop says for 2-4 medium sized birds or 4-6 bantams. I ser the coop up yesterday and went to look at some chickens today and after seeing th chickens, I am concerned that its not big enough for 4? The place we are getting our chickens from did say to us that normally these amounts that a coops is given (2-4 birds) is usually based on large breeds though so we could actually get away with up to six medium sized ones.

Anyhow, is there any particular rule of thumb? The dimensions are as follows and I have included a picture. Dims incl nest box and roof overhangs approx: 200cm x 76cm x 102.5cm (78" x 30" x 40")

Any advice is welcome!
Many thanks!!

 

[Kikiriki]

Very nice coop! You dod not say what state you are in, but that matters. The chickens will really only sleep and lay eggs inside, unless you are prone to a lot of deep cold weather. That may force them to stay inside, and it may cause squabbles, but dont forget. They also use the vertical space so you may have a couple up roosting and a couple hanging out lower.

I'd say go ahead and get four and see how it goes...you can always sell your least favorite of the group if it seems they are having space issues...

 

[The Lazy L]

Coop. 4 square feet per chicken, more or less

Run. 10 square feet per chicken, more or less

 

[menagerie2]

Thanks to both of you.

I am not in the states-I am in the UK so weather is fairly mild (currently having a very rainy summer but not too cold) I think you are right about getting the 4 and just seeing how it goes. I was mainly concerned that the run was so small should I need to keep them in the coop for any length of time. We are off on holiday shortly and my inital plan was just to leave them in and get the neighbour just tot op up food and water however, I don't know that I will get away with not letting them out so may just need to fnd someone who will commit to coming in a few time a day to check on them.

Or I suppose I could always invest a little more and get a larger run built that is attachable to the coop so chickens have more space but still contained. Hmm....that could be a job for hubby! ha ha