Question on number of chickens for space

[jenesis536]

I am trying to figure out how many birds I can have if I do this.

2 coops side by side. 1 coop is 4x5 and will be raised to allow room underneath when they are outside. The other coop is 3x5 elevated for room underneath plus an attached run that is 3x4.

We also have a pen that is 5x12. The coops would run along side the pen with access from the coops so both sets of hens can use the larger pen in addition to what is already under their coops (and attached run on the 2nd coop).

So, is that 20 sq ft for the 1st coop and 15 for the 2nd? And run/pen space is 20 sf (under 1st coop), and 27 sf for the 2nd (incl underneath and run), and 60 sf for the pen? If that is correct, then coop space is 35 sf and pen/run space is 107 sf.

First - is my math right?

Second, how many birds would be okay with this type of set up.

Edited to add: birds would use the coops to sleep and will have access to the pen/run only when we aren't home for longer periods of time, and when we are home or not gone too long during the day they are able to run around where they want to (we have a 3rd of an acre). We have space issues (wish we had a farm), so I'd like to figure out what is possible to keep the birds happy. We are considering building a 2nd pen, but I figured I'd first figure out what # was possible with what we have currently before we go there.

Thank you in advance!

 

[paddock36]

Bantam or standard size chickens? That will make a difference too.

 

[jenesis536]

Regular-sized hens. Right now we have 1 Delaware, 2 Light Brahmas, 1 Australorp and 1 EE that are 5 months old. I also have 4 ee's, 4 buff orps and one standard cochin in the brooder, but we don't plan on keeping all of them. I'd like to see what we can keep with this set up alone, and then decide what to do.

Thanks!

 

[chickenaddictntn]

I think you have the limit for the coop space.

 

[jenesis536]

Really? That doesn't sound right to me. I have a total of 14 with the 5 older ones and 9 babies. Coop space is only 35 sq ft. At 4 sf per bird isn't that only enough for 8?

 

[jenesis536]

Can anyone help? Please?

 

[oldchickenlady]

Quote:
You are correct...4 sq ft per bird.

 

[jenesis536]

Thank you - and without taking into considering the coop size - What about the run space (107 sf)? How many birds would be comfortable with that space? They would stay enclosed in that area while we are at work during the day. It's more than 4 sf per bird, right? Isn't it more like 10 sf? So maybe 10 birds for that space?

Before I can move on, I want to know what my options are so we can decide on bigger coop, more pen space, be happy with what we have coop/run-wise and give more chicks away, etc.

Thanks!

 

[blefky]

Well, as some wise BYCer told me, once upon a time, you can cram as many in there as you want - that doesn't mean they'll be happy or healthy.

The general guide lines are 4 sq. ft. per bird inside, and 10 sq ft per bird outside (in the run). But these are guidelines and a lot depends on your specific circumstances. The less cramped they are for space the less issues you're likely to have with things like pecking, etc. If you are in a warm winter climate, where they won't be cooped up for months, and if they're able to get out of the run on a regular basis, maybe you could stretch it a little. If it were me, I wouldn't put more than 8 or 9 LF birds in the set-up you're describing.

 

[jenesis536]

My intent is not to cram as many birds in as possible. They are my pets, and I want them to be happy! I'm just trying to figure out how much more space we need to add before we start any more work or how many of the babies we'll find homes for if we decide to stick with what we have.