question on how many standard layers i could have in my coop its 10x12

[blueseal]

i have a 10x12 chicken barn 120sq ft. i currently have 18 standards now how many more could i add without being crowded. i would like 10 more to add to my flock . they have a big fenced run 200ft of fenced run to roam and will be adding to the run soon to make it 400 ft of fenced area.

 

[BarnsB]

I have heard that the standard requirement for space is 5 square feet per chicken. But I suspect this is for chickens that are not let out. I think you'll be OK.

 

[Mahonri]

As long as you have a big run. 30-33 would be comfortable.

 

[teach1rusl]

10 more birds would do okay in that space with a larger run. Just keep in mind that if you get severe weather in winter time there's a high potential that your birds will be cooped up for days at a time. So the more space you can offer per bird the better.

 

[blueseal]

Quote:
yes thats my only down fall is in the winter. would it be too much with 30 birds cooped up on snowy days when they wont go out.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
yes thats my only down fall is in the winter. would it be too much with 30 birds cooped up on snowy days when they wont go out.

In theory, if all of your floor space is available (raised nest boxes, outdoor feeders/waterers), you could handle 30. Make sure you have TONS of roost space available, because the more places they have to get away from one another the better. Keep in mind, the more birds you have, the more cleaning you will be doing. And whatever cleaning you're doing in the summer with your number of birds, you can count on quadrupling that in the winter time. If you can do dropping boards, I'd do them.
You'll have to keep an eye on them, watching for feather picking and bullying. That'll be your best indicator for whether they are overcrowded in the winter time.

 

[blueseal]

Quote:
yes thats my only down fall is in the winter. would it be too much with 30 birds cooped up on snowy days when they wont go out.

In theory, if all of your floor space is available (raised nest boxes, outdoor feeders/waterers), you could handle 30. Make sure you have TONS of roost space available, because the more places they have to get away from one another the better. Keep in mind, the more birds you have, the more cleaning you will be doing. And whatever cleaning you're doing in the summer with your number of birds, you can count on quadrupling that in the winter time. If you can do dropping boards, I'd do them.
You'll have to keep an eye on them, watching for feather picking and bullying. That'll be your best indicator for whether they are overcrowded in the winter time.

yes i do dropper boards now for my 18 birds and its alot easier with the droppers i sprinkle shavings on the boards and scrape them 2 times a week no smell or amonnia .