space for 26 peeps???

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I think that's too small for 26 chickens, a shed like another poster said would be ideal, especially if you get lots of snow and wind! It IS cute though!!!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I wouldn't want more than 8 chickens in there. Perhaps you can find another coop and connect the runs?

 

[teach1rusl]

No matter that you have two levels, they will all try to roost in the same spot if they're all in the same run. I don't see how you'd manage close to 26 feet of roosting space in that upper level, especially since it doesn't have much clearance (height). But to answer your question, no, there is no way I'd shoot for 26 birds in that set-up, even if they were bantams.
Even if you free ranged from dawn till dusk, due to your location/winters, you birds would spend a lot of time inside the sheltered (walled) section, and you would have serious problems on your hands (seasonally). Even with a large run added, and with cold hardy breeds, 10 is the maximum I would shoot for in your set-up. Folks who live in year-round mild areas can get by more easily with cramped quarters, because their chickens really aren't inside the coop except for egg laying and night-time.
It is a cute set-up, but if you want happy, healthy birds, then think smaller flock.

 

[Fred's Hens]

That is one sharp setup!!! Congrats.

In one barn, I have 19 hens in 8 x 20 =160 sq ft and it is too small in the winter!! No, seriously. Boredom and such. So, even at 8 sq ft per bird, the winter is long and tedious.
You little setup is right for 6-8 and still, you'll have to judge their temperament.

 

[vtgirls]

So I am thinking if I remove the back wall then I can add a "sister"coop to the backside - marry up a same size enclosure to the back, thereby gaining about another 30 square feet "upstairs".
I think I should have less trouble with plenty of roosting bar space that way also.
The back wall height inside is 5 feet upstairs.
Then I'd be at 75 square feet upstairs, just a bit shy of 3 feet per bird.
Yes, not the 4 each but much better.... Right now our first little flock is in a 4x4 coop, 5 hens 1 roo and everybody is very happy, they also have a 100 square foot covered run.
I am guessing one of the newbies will be roos (or two or three) and plan to only keep 1 more than the one I have already, so I may end up with a couple less birdies than 26 that way as well....
Are the 4 nesting boxes enough for twenty something peeps?
Thanks also for the kind words about the coop - we made it from all recycled materials except the hardware, live edge siding and a couple sheets of plywood for the floor. Tried to stay close to 150$.