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Opinion on Cooop Size vs. Amount of Rhode Island Hens

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by Brookside7, Feb 4, 2012.

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  1. Feb 4, 2012 #1
    Brookside7

    Brookside7 Out Of The Brooder

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    Jan 31, 2012
    I found a coop that I'm interested in getting so that I can start enjoying the Backyard Chickens experience.

    The measurements are:

    • Chicken Coop Dimensions
      Outside      :
      82 in(L)x52in(H)x27.5in(W)
      2100mm(L)x1330mm(H)x700mm(W)
      Inside:
      Coop/House Inside Area is 25.5" x 25.5"
      Approximately 4.5 sq.ft ​
    • NEST BOX Inside ​
    21" long x 11" deep
    Run Area Inside Measurements
    Total Run Area Is About 64" long x 25.5" deep
    Approximately 11.3 sq.ft     ​


    Now, we would like to get Rhode Island Red hens. How many hens would be best and healthy for these dimensions?
    (Note: They will be allowed to free range at least a few hours a day.)

    Thanks!​
     
  3. Feb 4, 2012 #2
    kathyinmo

    kathyinmo Nothing In Moderation

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    My Coop
    4 square feet (inside) is (minimum) recommended for ONE chicken. 10 sq ft for outside.
     
  5. Feb 4, 2012 #3
    darncat

    darncat Out Of The Brooder

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    Agree Kathyinmo...one hen. I did want to share my zero knowledge about hens with Brookside7. I got hens in March 2011 and came here to BYC forum to make sure I was getting the right amount of hens plus wander around the forum to educate myself a little too. I had my heart set on 6 to 8 Rhode Island Reds but after posting the measurements my coop was fine but my pen was too small. My heart sank. But I did go by what the response was and they were spot on ! 4 healthy RIR's is what I have. The kind folks that are on this forum are sooooo knowledgeable and you will find yourself visiting the site for practically any chicken issue. Love BYC forum ! :D
     
  7. Feb 4, 2012 #4
    terryg

    terryg Chillin' With My Peeps

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    As said, the minimum of interior space is 4 sq ft per hen, but you want to take into account where you live. Places with lots of rain/snow/cold need even larger coops, as the girls will be inside for long stretches. Also take into account the breed. RIRs are more active and more hen-on-hen aggressive than others. They need to free-range, they need more interior space, etc, or you'll have pecking problems. Spoken from experience.
    --see my coops, interior and exterior on my live-streaming web cams at www.HenCam.com
     
  9. Feb 4, 2012 #5
    Brookside7

    Brookside7 Out Of The Brooder

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    Wow, complete bummer. :/ Guess I'll keep looking.
     
  11. Feb 4, 2012 #6
    Brookside7

    Brookside7 Out Of The Brooder

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    Jan 31, 2012
    I love the hen cam! :)
     
  13. Feb 4, 2012 #7
    Brookside7

    Brookside7 Out Of The Brooder

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    [​IMG]

    This is the picture. I guess it just looks bigger online... lol
     
  15. Feb 4, 2012 #8
    kathyinmo

    kathyinmo Nothing In Moderation

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    May 14, 2009
    (SW MO) Nevada, Missouri
    My Coop
    It does look very cute. It is just very small. That screen door is not even 3 foot tall.

    Good luck in your search for a coop!
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2012
  17. Feb 4, 2012 #9
    FarmingForFun

    FarmingForFun Out Of The Brooder

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    You could always go with bantamized RIR's then you could probably have 3-5.[​IMG]
     
  19. Feb 4, 2012 #10
    Brookside7

    Brookside7 Out Of The Brooder

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    -sigh- And the search continues. I originally intended to build my own, but need to find a coop plan with the instructions (since I'm no carpenter... lol) and with the right dimensions. We're thinking on about 6 Rhode Island Reds.
     
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