Space per Hen

[gtaff]

I am new to owning chickens. It has been pretty fun so far. The girls have not started laying yet. My wife seems to think they do not have enough space. I have 4 hens in a run that is 4x 10 and the coop is 4.5 x 4 with 3 nesting boxes. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!!! I think you are pushing the minimum space per bird, especially if you will have nasty weather when they won't want to go outside. More space is always better! Is your run predator proof, or only okay during the day when you are there? If they can use the entire space all the time, should be fine. Making things predator proof is the most important thins, followed by good ventilation. Mary

 

[gtaff]

So how many in that space would be best. I can not let them out as my Blue heeler likes chicken. My run and coop is very predator proof.

 

[Folly's place]

If they are all getting along, should be okay. You will need more space when Chicken Math happens! Mary

 

[gtaff]

No chicken math in this hen house. All girls. LOL Thanks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

No chicken math in this hen house. All girls. LOL Thanks

Oh, there are no boys required for chicken math - chicken math comes from more than just breeding

 

[mortie]

^ this.

 

[HickoryHollow]

I had to laugh at the "chicken math". I started with 4, then 6............then 30........then 36.......Now cleaned out and starting over. I am about to order 48 peeps of various flavors.

 

[lazy gardener]

Hickory, I like your "flavor" description.

Gtaff: your set up is the barest minimum according to recommendations for a flock of 4. The one question I have: Is your run covered and wind protected for the winter? If so, you should be fine. If not, perhaps you might consider doing so.

 

[HickoryHollow]

CRAP! It happened again. I was going to order 48.....somehow that turned into 80! lol....On there way on various dates are the following:

Dec 15
12 Barred Rock girls
2 Barred Rock boys

Jan. 5th
24 Golden Buff girls
2 Golden buff boys

Jan. 26th,
12 Buff Orpington girls
2 Buff Orpington boys

March 9th
24 New Hampshire Red girls
2 New Hampshire Red boys

How does this happen? Hope my DW wanted peeps for Christmas! ;-)