Size of flock with current coop / run

[Wlaubernds]

Hello Coop / Run Masters!
Currently I have 4 chickens with my current setup that you can see here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ENE6OpBjoIbxJDxh2.

The coop is 4x10x10 with the actual box they sleep and nest in being 4 x 5 x 6. There are 3 nesting boxes and unless we are out of town for a long weekend or something, the chickens are outside all day from sun up till the decide to go in. The run is about 50ft by 15ft (maybe more) and if I am in the yard they get the full yard sometimes.

I would like to add more chickens and wanted to get an idea of how many people would recommend for the space I have. I know from reading the forum that I am good on boxes, but wanted to get feedback on roosting set up / space and overall coop size.

Thanks in advance! You all are great and I appreciate the wealth of info here.

 

[chickencheeper]

The general rule is 1 chicken per 10 square feet of run space and 1 chicken per 4 square foot in the coop.

 

[sylviethecochin]

The run's large enough for a maximum of 75 chickens. The "box they sleep in" is only large enough for five chickens--you need four square feet of floor space minimum. I'd build or buy another coop, and use your current one as an isolation/broody house.

Also, are your roosts metal? They look metal in the picture, and they can freeze their feet to them in winter.

EDT: Didn't see you up there, chickencheeper x2.

 

[Mimiruu]

You are right about needing a bigger coop area, the run is plenty big. I would say that you could find a way to build onto the coop you already have, or just build a whole new one. I am not a builder but there is something amazing about the possibility of making something to fit your needs exactly. My coop is a converted shed. Good luck updating your coop!

 

[oregonkat]

I added another coop for my hens now numbering 17 as I knew that they were supposed to have 'x' amount of room. Now I should say that they have a HUGE run and come into the enclosure and coop in the evening but most of the hens ignore the new coop and stuff themselves into the old one all together, save the rooster and 3 hens who like to roost out in the enclosure, even in the cold weather. Go figure!!

 

[junebuggena]

The box they sleep in is the actual coop. Only enclosed shelter is counted as coop space. You only have room for 4. If you turned the whole 4x10 structure into a coop, you would have enough space for 10.

 

[Wlaubernds]

The run's large enough for a maximum of 75 chickens. The "box they sleep in" is only large enough for five chickens--you need four square feet of floor space minimum. I'd build or buy another coop, and use your current one as an isolation/broody house.

Also, are your roosts metal? They look metal in the picture, and they can freeze their feet to them in winter.

EDT: Didn't see you up there, chickencheeper x2.

Those are wood dowels. Probably just the shimmer of old poop that makes it look like metal.

Thanks for all the advice all!

 

[jthornton]

I think the "coop size rule" is a bit misleading depending on the design of the coop. In my case I have a 4' x 5' roost box (was a coop with a nest box) with 11' of roost boards. I have 9 pullets and most of them are on one 4' roost with a couple on the 3' roost and none on the old 4' roost. I feel that the roost box can comfortably hold 15 chickens. Their food, water and roll out nest box is in the "run" which is about 14' x 10'. My "coop" is similar to your design with a smaller roost box and a larger enclosed run. At sunrise I open the "run" so they have access to the chicken yard (5' chain link fence) which is about 30' x 40' or so. Every one has a different situation so the 4' rule is just a guide.

JT

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I disagree with the rule that chickens need 4sq per bird in the henhouse, I feel that the amount of space depends on how much time the chickens will actually spend in the henhouse. If the chickens are only sleeping in the henhouse then you can get away with 2 sq feet minimum per chicken, granted that they have an attached run to roam in during the day. If however the chickens free range but are locked in the coop to sleep or when it’s raining, snowing, etc. then you must give each chicken 4 sq feet in the henhouse.

 

[chickencheeper]

I disagree with the rule that chickens need 4sq per bird in the henhouse, I feel that the amount of space depends on how much time the chickens will actually spend in the henhouse. If the chickens are only sleeping in the henhouse then you can get away with 2 sq feet minimum per chicken, granted that they have an attached run to roam in during the day. If however the chickens free range but are locked in the coop to sleep or when it’s raining, snowing, etc. then you must give each chicken 4 sq feet in the henhouse.

Yes, I do agree with that, I stated that it was a general statement,I don’t personally live by it