square footage for hen house

[ShrekDawg]

I have a coop kit I got on sale at TSC and it's a little bit smaller, maybe 3x3, and a smaller run we removed, inside of a 6x12 dog run. I noticed they seem to fight more. They don't free range though so that's part of it. I'm planning on building a bigger coop and run in the spring though. It's going to be 4x8, which is sort of the minimum for 8. The run will be big though. I know a lot of people who do keep them in smaller quarters or who simply have a "huddle box" for sleeping and laying and sure, all 8 fit in mine, but they don't necessarily like it. You also have to think about how much they will be in it. Mine are in theirs all the time because they hate bad weather so that adds to the problems so in the new run I'm going to make sure it's roofed and/or in really bad weather the sides will be covered so they don't have to be cooped up inside. Yours are free ranging and likely will only be inside to sleep and lay eggs so it might be fine but you also have to think about what if they can't get out that day, will they be happy? Usually the minimum recommended square footage per bird for inside the coop is 4 square feet per bird which would mean that could hold 3 butcommercial standards are only 2 square feet. But Orpingtons are big birds. However yours are free ranging and people do fit more in smaller coops if they're going to be free ranging or have a bigger run so it could be fine.

Also I hope you don't think I'm being mean or anything, I'm not trying to be, just trying to inform/help others because we made the mistake of getting a smaller coop. I had wanted a bigger one but my parents wanted something quick for the chicks so i agreed and this was on sale and looked much bigger in the pictures. Now we're having to upgrade. Yours looks better built and bigger though, ours was Chinese made and we had to put it together ourselves

 

[ShrekDawg]

Oh and also for reference I have 1 Barred Rock, 2 Black Australorps, 3 Buff Orpingtons, and 2 Easter Eggers

 

[jallen062]

not all all If I get it and it seems too small or they get unhappy, I will sell it locally and have my hubby build a bigger one. That was the plan all along, but he's been so busy at work and he has been renovating our house. We don't get really bad weather here- eastern Mass. We are also going to extend that run and add a roof to it so if it is bad weather they are covered. I have about an acre and a half of land and woods out back for them to forage in.

 

[izziebean]

Can you cancel the order? Many feed stores have these already set up so you can go look at them. I wouldn't put more than 2-3 birds. The hens will peck each other and will be more prone to disease.

A shed with some nesting boxes added would work better. Have you checked craigslist for coops? Our local people have started listing new ones that they just made for about the same price.

Your family could probably do good well with just three, but with chicken math, owners usually end up with more. They are flock birds so they need others around them. If one gets sick and dies, then you need one more there. I lost three in two weeks so if you want a steady supply of eggs, then you might want five. That's what my neighbors have. They started with six four month old pullets. One died in the first month. That left five, which had supplied her and her husband fresh eggs everyday and some to spare to give to the friends. Hers are LF and the coop is 3 x 7 with a run that is about triple that size just for outdoors. Her birds are happy.

Also, with these kits, take time to look at the quality of the wood. Most reviews have said they are flimsy and fall apart in the first year. I know it's a lot to take in but that is a lot of money.

One other suggestion is to buy plans to make one. In hindsight I would have done that. They list off the supplies and what size the boards need to be. Some have videos on how to put it together. I've seen women bragging that they did it without the help of husband.

Good luck in the new adventure. I started last year with just a cardboard box, a heating lamp, and some pine shavings. We made our way through the first year but some losses and learnings along the way. PM if you have questions. The first year is tough. If you are getting baby chicks, make sure to check for pasty butt all the time. Have disposable gloves ready and maybe some ointment. They have to have water and food all the time. They will knock it over, step in it, and wreck it... In such a way that you may just find yourself giggling and amazed at these wonderful creatures. Enjoy every moment. Take pictures while they are young. They grow so fast!!!

 

[daxigait]

While she is giving advice, practice at least some biosecurity. Wear boots/shoes that don't go anywhere but the coop and yard. Change after your birds if you are going to see other birds and wash/use antibacterial after handeling birds. They can get diseases from other birds off you that won't bother you. If others go to your birds make sure they are wearing different clothes than they messed with theirs in poot bags over shoes and wash hands before and after. It beats sick and dead birds. If you bring in new birds later read up on quarantine, and while they are there keep you, your shoes and hands separate. I am not trying to be a nag, but I learned the hard way.

 

[jallen062]

Can you cancel the order? Many feed stores have these already set up so you can go look at them. I wouldn't put more than 2-3 birds. The hens will peck each other and will be more prone to disease.

A shed with some nesting boxes added would work better. Have you checked craigslist for coops? Our local people have started listing new ones that they just made for about the same price.

Your family could probably do good well with just three, but with chicken math, owners usually end up with more. They are flock birds so they need others around them. If one gets sick and dies, then you need one more there. I lost three in two weeks so if you want a steady supply of eggs, then you might want five. That's what my neighbors have. They started with six four month old pullets. One died in the first month. That left five, which had supplied her and her husband fresh eggs everyday and some to spare to give to the friends. Hers are LF and the coop is 3 x 7 with a run that is about triple that size just for outdoors. Her birds are happy.

Also, with these kits, take time to look at the quality of the wood. Most reviews have said they are flimsy and fall apart in the first year. I know it's a lot to take in but that is a lot of money.

One other suggestion is to buy plans to make one. In hindsight I would have done that. They list off the supplies and what size the boards need to be. Some have videos on how to put it together. I've seen women bragging that they did it without the help of husband.

Good luck in the new adventure. I started last year with just a cardboard box, a heating lamp, and some pine shavings. We made our way through the first year but some losses and learnings along the way. PM if you have questions. The first year is tough. If you are getting baby chicks, make sure to check for pasty butt all the time. Have disposable gloves ready and maybe some ointment. They have to have water and food all the time. They will knock it over, step in it, and wreck it... In such a way that you may just find yourself giggling and amazed at these wonderful creatures. Enjoy every moment. Take pictures while they are young. They grow so fast!!!

Craigslist is where I found it.

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/grq/5430079593.html

 

[ShrekDawg]

not all all If I get it and it seems too small or they get unhappy, I will sell it locally and have my hubby build a bigger one. That was the plan all along, but he's been so busy at work and he has been renovating our house. We don't get really bad weather here- eastern Mass. We are also going to extend that run and add a roof to it so if it is bad weather they are covered. I have about an acre and a half of land and woods out back for them to forage in. 

Okay good! and sounds like you know what youre doing then! Also, are they chicks? Cause if so, they could probably be fine for a couple months until you can build something bigger. Plus with the run and free ranging they'll probably be happier! Mine haven't been able to free range at all really except maybe 3 times. We have almost 3 acres but they choose tostay mear the coop, though now they are venturing out more and try to go in the woods and to the neighbors. Plus we're redoing bathrooms so with the workers and debris and everything they just can't go out. I'm hoping to put a fence or something up so they don't try to go to the neighbors hah

But anyway, we're actually in eastern Mass too and mine consider even rain and snow bad weather!! Fairly common occurrences here in MA every flock is different though and I know plenty that go out anyway. With mine it's only if it's actively raining or snowing, if it's just gloomy or snow is on the ground they'll go out, just don't like getting wet i guess. But rain is pretty common. It's good you're roofing the run though

 

[jallen062]

Okay good!

and sounds like you know what youre doing then! Also, are they chicks? Cause if so, they could probably be fine for a couple months until you can build something bigger. Plus with the run and free ranging they'll probably be happier! Mine haven't been able to free range at all really except maybe 3 times. We have almost 3 acres but they choose tostay mear the coop, though now they are venturing out more and try to go in the woods and to the neighbors. Plus we're redoing bathrooms so with the workers and debris and everything they just can't go out. I'm hoping to put a fence or something up so they don't try to go to the neighbors hah

But anyway, we're actually in eastern Mass too and mine consider even rain and snow bad weather!! Fairly common occurrences here in MA

every flock is different though and I know plenty that go out anyway. With mine it's only if it's actively raining or snowing, if it's just gloomy or snow is on the ground they'll go out, just don't like getting wet i guess. But rain is pretty common. It's good you're roofing the run though

Yes, we are pretty picky over here, and if that coop doesn't cut it, I'll sell it for a loss and my hubby will build one. He is a perfectionist and a researcher (we really DO need 4 sq feet per chicken!), so it won't be a hard sell to let him know that once the chickens are full grown, they need something bigger. They are chicks- will get here the 15th of March. What do you recommend for a heat source? I read some threads on here where 350 watt might be too hot for 4-6 chicks? I have been reading for 3 days LOL!!!!!!!!! pasty butt and chickens fried from heat lamps are going through my head....

Did you have any of those horrible winter moth caterpillars? The teeny green ones? I hope the chickens eat them. They decimated my Rhodedendrons last year.....

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, we are pretty picky over here, and if that coop doesn't cut it, I'll sell it for a loss and my hubby will build one. He is a perfectionist and a researcher (we really DO need 4 sq feet per chicken!), so it won't be a hard sell to let him know that once the chickens are full grown, they need something bigger. They are chicks- will get here the 15th of March. What do you recommend for a heat source? I read some threads on here where 350 watt might be too hot for 4-6 chicks? I have been reading for 3 days LOL!!!!!!!!! pasty butt and chickens fried from heat lamps are going through my head....

Did you have any of those horrible winter moth caterpillars? The teeny green ones? I hope the chickens eat them. They decimated my Rhodedendrons last year.....

Awesome! Sounds like a good plan! I would definitely say to use this for a while then get something bigger as for the heat source, I actually highly recommend you use the MHP (Mama Heating Pad) method!!! There is a thread on it here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

And I find it to be much more natural and a lot safer!!!! I would recommend though to put the pad on the bottom instead of top and bungee cord it on. Or to use aart idea. But yeah, much safer and less stressful!!!

And I think we do though I haven't seen any yet. We have loads of other caterpillars though and they eat everything!!!!

 

[daxigait]

If you use bulbs 100 or 250 are plenty depending on the temp. there. Put a thermometer under and check. Week one 95, decreasing five degrees per week. Put it at one end, and give them a big enough brooder to get away from it if they want. I use a rectangular Tupper so they can choose temperature and keep water away from the bulb. I am going to change to the heating pad, but a heating lamp is something I had before I read about mama heating pad.