Opinion on Cooop Size vs. Amount of Rhode Island Hens

[Brookside7]

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!​

 

[kathyinmo]

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

The measurements are:

• Inside:
  Coop/House Inside Area is 25.5" x 25.5"
  Approximately 4.5 sq.ft ​

​

4 square feet (inside) is (minimum) recommended for ONE chicken. 10 sq ft for outside.

 

[darncat]

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 !

 

[terryg]

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

 

[Brookside7]

Wow, complete bummer. :/ Guess I'll keep looking.

 

[Brookside7]

I love the hen cam!

 

[Brookside7]

This is the picture. I guess it just looks bigger online... lol

 

[kathyinmo]

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!

 

[FarmingForFun]

You could always go with bantamized RIR's then you could probably have 3-5.

 

[Brookside7]

-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.