Seattle's newest coop. Now it needs chickens

[scaringi13]

I built a chicken coop for my family out of an old deck and shed. It's constructed from about 75% recycled materials. I really like it. However, I fear that its a little too small. It has a 4'x6' run and a 3'x4' coop with and additional 3'x1' of nesting boxes.

24 sf run
15 sf coop.

We are looking to begin with chicks in July.

Egg production and temperament are the desirable traits. We have a 2 year old and a 4 month old that will be around the birds quite a bit.

I was considering 4 birds (3 bantams and 1 standard)

Will this work? Any suggestions?

I might be able to muster up some more square footage in the run. But we have a postage stamp of a yard.

Thanks.

 

[frostbite]

Four standard sized chickens is about the max for the coop, so with bantams in the mix, they'll have room to spread their feathers a bit, and it should be nice for them. Have fun! With a small coop like that, figuring out how to fit roosts and nest boxes and feed stations and all that in there can be a challenge.

Here's a picture of how I did the roosts in my coop. I used 2x3 sticks of lumber and some standard hinges. The ones in this picture turned out to be a bit more flimsy than I needed the first time around, I've replaced the ones that hold them to the wall with something a little stouter. Then with the hinge on the support leg, (underneath, where you can't see it) the whole thing folds up against the wall where I have a cup hook and a bungie to hold it up out of the way when I need to clean the coop.

 

[kidcody]

from another in washington state glad you joined us!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[sumi]

Hello and

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hello and

Well, what peeps recommend is you have 4sq ft per bird so three-four might be your magic number. We have three chickens (had four, lost one) and it's pretty good! Small garden here too!

Sex links are really good layers, buff orpingtons are friendly breeds. Many people with kids like those two breeds.

Don't hesitate to ask any questinos you might have, and enjoy the site.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You should gave just enough room as you are planning on 3 bantams.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined.