Should I get more chicks?

[Faisonfarm]

First time chick owner. We have 8, 1 suspected roo, going out to the coop in about 2 weeks. Our coop says it fits 10-12 chickens and our run is an 8' x 10'. Should I get 3 more chicks?!?! Or do I need to relax and see how this first year goes.. thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you plan on expanding the run you're already maxed out on space in the run. Coop space... don't take a manufacturer's claim on space. If you can provide the available floor space, roost(s) length and ventilation square footage, that would give us a basis to calculate off of.

Even if you plan on expanding, if eggs are a priority it's best to stagger the ages of your flock as birds slow production after 18-24 months.

 

[The Moonshiner]

I'd stick with what you have.
Most bought coops say they'll hold more then they really should.

 

[Faisonfarm]

Unless you plan on expanding the run you're already maxed out on space in the run. Coop space... don't take a manufacturer's claim on space. If you can provide the available floor space, roost(s) length and ventilation square footage, that would give us a basis to calculate off of.

Even if you plan on expanding, if eggs are a priority it's best to stagger the ages of your flock as birds slow production after 18-24 months.

Thank you! That's helpful.

 

[Faisonfarm]

I'd stick with what you have.
Most bought coops say they'll hold more then they really should.

Makes sense. I appreciate it.

 

[nuthatched]

You have two, too many birds for that coop, you can likely sell a male and female pair. :]

 

[BigBlueHen53]

A coop should provide about 4 sq ft of floor space per bird, and you should subtract space taken up by feeders, waterers and nests. They need 1 linear foot of roost space per bird, and 10 to 15 sq ft of space per bird in the run. These dimensions will help cut down on or eliminate bullying, pecking, fighting, feather plucking or even cannibalism, which can occur in crowded conditions. It's best to have at least two feeders in the run, a good distance apart, and not visible from each other. Provide "clutter" in the run, in the form of objects the chickens can hide behind or get under or on top of, but not get trapped in. Examples are chairs, tables, pallets leaning against fences, etc.

 

[dearmeghann]

Wait. They're small now, wait until they get bigger and fill out the roosting bar. Like @BigBlueHen53 mentioned above. We got a prefab coop that advertised 10+. We had 5 and looking back, it was pretty cramped.