question about new coop and run that was just built "PICS"

[countrygirl911]

we just got thru building this coop and run the building is a 10 ft by 8 foot and the run is 16ft by 16ft. I was wondering how many chicken can i fit in this coop to where they are comfortable and not laying right on top of each other. I look to expan maybe next summer if all things go right if not then maye the next summer. also wanted to know what is the best way to make the next boxes and how big and also how high to put them. also wanted to know about the pervhes how hig should i put them and what should i use to make them. Sorry for all the questions i just want to make sure my hens are happy plus maybe a roo jury still out on that sweet little chicken. As of righ now i have 10 chickens 5 of them are between 7 to 9 weeks old 2BR and 3 RIR one RIR is the one in question about it it is a roo or a hen then i have 5 little ones that are 4 to 6 weeks old 2 of them black sex links/black stars and 2 EE/americaunas. Any help would be greatly appreciate it. I wold love to have lots of chickens but want to make sure they are comfortable i can always expand at a later date to house many more.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Your run will fit 25 but your coop only 20. I wouldn't go above the 20 in case they are stuck inside due to bad weather.

 

[ScaredOfShadows]

I agree, go with 20 large fowl (Standards) tops as thats the minimum coop space per bird 4 sq ft. Bantams you could 2X as many potentially in that coop.

Nest boxes? Just tack together some plyboard, or make you a frame out of 2X4s or 1X4's and then piece plyboard onto it, it will be alot sturdier. You can make it as long as the coop on one side, sitting them about 18-24" off the ground, reinforce them from beneath (like a table with extra legs) and even later add nest boxes on top or below.

Milkcrates, rubbermaid totes, and cardboard boxes (temporary disposable nestboxes - lol ) would work just as well, above the ground or on the ground though on the ground will take up floor space.

many many options.

good luck!

 

[countrygirl911]

as of right now i have 3 RIR's, 2 BR, 3 EE/americaunas and 2 black sex linked/black stars i really appreciate the info that you have given me it is greatly appreciated

 

[12henfun]

do u have windows?

 

[countrygirl911]

no there is no windows this is a storage shed we used but no doors except fot the one we built out of wood and chicken wire the only time it is closed it at night when they go to sleep to keep them protected from other little creatures and preditors. I let them out at about 7 am and put them back in at about 8 pm. during the day they would rather stay inside then go into the run becasue its so hot out in the dirrect sun. Why u ask if it has windows an i suppose to have them

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:
You need to have ventilation to get fresh air in the coop even at night.

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I agree with the above poster.
You need more air flow even if you leave that door open all night. And predator proof the shed. It does not take much for a raccoon or possum to get in there and take out all your birds. They only need about 15 minutes. Having lost a good many in a week due to a very small 2"x2" hole I can assure you that it will happen.
Love the idea and the run. They just need more air and predator proofing.

 

[countrygirl911]

the door is closed at night i have vent holes in the building and the door we made had chicken wire on it so more air can get in that way. my vent holes are not as big as a window but it is about 2 to 3 inches wide and long there is 2 on each side of the building also covered with wire to keep the preditors out is their anything else i need to do to protect them

 

[sgtmom52]

You may wish to change out the chicken wire for heavier hardware cloth. Chicken wire is made to keep chickens in ~ it will not keep predators out! I use 1/2" hardware cloth on all my windows ~ it is a little more expensive but well worth it to keep my babies safer.