This is why we have min space requirement confusion.

[arlee453]

Quote:
YOU.........NEED........MORE........CHICKENS!!

**Nature Abhors a Vaccuum!***

 

[PurpleChicken]

Right now I have 38 birds in a 3x18' section of my barn with a 6x24' run.
They seem happy and healthy to me. My flock numbers vary from 20 to 60.

My birds do not have access to the run all day because I don't have netting over
it yet. They average 8 hours a day in the run. Half the birds don't like the run
and stay in the coop most of the time.

At 1.4' per bird it is difficult to keep the coop area clean. If they free ranged
during the day it wouldn't be a problem. We turn our pine daily and change
it every 2 weeks.

Within the next 3 months I will be adding an outside coop for more coop
space, expanding the size of the run, and allowing them to free range for
a few hours each night.

It's all a balance. I don't believe in "per bird" numbers. I believe in healthy
birds.