Thoughts and suggestions

[KoryKell]

Almost done building this 5x5 coop, with 3 nesting boxes that are on the backside, and a run that I was planning to build off the left side (5x10).

I've read so many things with respect to flock size and coop/run size. We are looking to have a flock of 5 with this setup. Is the coop and run large enough to support 5 birds? We also plan on letting the flock free range within the backyard supervised and once the grass takes. Any and all comments and or suggestions welcome.

 

[JedJackson]

I personally think that you'd be better off with 4 instead of 5 hens with that amount of space. The official recommendation is 5 square feet per hen for the coop, and 10 square feet per hen for the run. But that is a bare minimum.

 

[KoryKell]

I personally think that you'd be better off with 4 instead of 5 hens with that amount of space. The official recommendation is 5 square feet per hen for the coop, and 10 square feet per hen for the run. But that is a bare minimum.

Thanks. Love hearing from those with experience. We just wanna make sure our birds are happy!

 

[linguini]

Almost done building this 5x5 coop, with 3 nesting boxes that are on the backside, and a run that I was planning to build off the left side (5x10).

I've read so many things with respect to flock size and coop/run size. We are looking to have a flock of 5 with this setup. Is the coop and run large enough to support 5 birds? We also plan on letting the flock free range within the backyard supervised and once the grass takes. Any and all comments and or suggestions welcome. View attachment 2994625

Just curious - is there a window in the back? where is the ventilation?

 

[Sally PB]

Yes, you need some ventilation in your coop. Rule of thumb is 1 sf/chicken of ventilation that is open 24/7/365.

"Open" means covered in hardware cloth or some other predator-proof material. It should be up above the birds' heads when they're roosting. That way, warm moist air and ammonia can vent out up high. Ammonia from their droppings can damage their lungs, and moisture in cold weather can cause frostbite. Ammonia is lighter than air and rises.

 

[aart]

We also plan on letting the flock free range within the backyard supervised and once the grass takes.

They will destroy new grass, are you seeding or sodding.
Might want to make your run larger.

Ditto on the ventilation/windows questions.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @KoryKell
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[KoryKell]

Just curious - is there a window in the back? where is the ventilation?

I do plan on adding a window on the side.

 

[WIchickMama]

I do plan on adding a window on the side.

Will likely need more ventilation along the top under the overhang if you can.

Also for the door, looks to be human sized, will there be a smaller chicken pop-up door or are you going to leave this larger door open? If so, I would suggest some sort of hook to keep the door from blowing, also making sure the run is above the top of the door to ensure it is fully enclosed and nothing can get in.

 

[WIchickMama]

Also if you are going to leave your coop on the cement blocks-maybe hardwire cloth off all the way around and into the ground to make sure that not only can nothing dig in but a chicken can't get stuck underneath-hard to get those chickens out of tight spaces

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I could say it, but @3KillerBs says it better (can't wait till they finish their article). Good advice above.

Needs more ventilation, very attractive, but will be tight for the number of birds, and they WILL destroy every green thing you plant in that space.

Also, grass is a monoculture. Monocultures make for dietary imbalance. If you plan for your birds to free range as a dietary suppliment, think "polyculture" - you want a mix of legumes (like clover), grasses/grains, seeds (subnflower is popular and atractive), and herbs/forbs/flowers/veg - marigolds, fenugreek, cilantro, rosemary (chances are, your birds won't eat this - but some do), carrots, radishes, etc... Melons and squash of all sorts are popular in summer.