Tiny Chicken Coops

[MrPepers]

I do not like making such a general call without seeing the coops. Such a generalized statement as worded comes across as rude and potentially provocative.

I only get mad about tiny chicken coops when I see too many chickens in them. I don't have a problem with tiny chicken coops as long as there aren't too many chickens in them.

 

[dunnmom]

What do you consider a tiny coop to be? What is your standard for space per chicken? There is a learning curve to raising chickens for a lot of people, based on the fact that there is so much information out there. My first chicks will turn 1 yr. in Sept. When we built our coop, we found all sorts of conflicting standards for space per chicken. We overestimated how many chickens we could have in our coop at first. We caught on quick and adjusted accordingly. I'm sure many others do, as well.

 

[centrarchid]

I only get mad about tiny chicken coops when I see too many chickens in them. I don't have a problem with tiny chicken coops as long as there aren't too many chickens in them.

The only thing you defined well that you did not like was "urban". Specify criteria of concern for coops with measures of coops rather than location or people the are kept by.

 

[dunnmom]

I joined BYC to learn how to become a good caretaker for my feathered pets. I came for the entertainment, helpful posts, articles, and great advice. I also came here to find other chicken owners in my state to glean wisdom from. But, I'm sad to say, I've seen a few folks on here using shaming-type language in some threads that is really not so helpful or encouraging for those of us that are just starting out (pointing at self). I'm not saying people shouldn't speak their mind, but please do be conscious of the main reason this site exists when you're venting. You will come across some people that are sensitive to negativity being tossed their way, especially if they are dealing with a critical issue at the time.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I only get mad about tiny chicken coops when I see too many chickens in them. I don't have a problem with tiny chicken coops as long as there aren't too many chickens in them.

You would probably stay mad at me if you are one that goes by the big sqft rule. I am not sure where you stand on that. I use common sense. If I got a 55sqft coop and 75 chickens in it just to roost at night and they got plenty of room on the roost poles---with extra room----they good. They are going to come out as day is breaking anyhow. What I do not understand----which I don't pay any attention to is some telling me/others we got to have 3 or 4sqft per bird in the coop----I reply, common sense will show you when you have 6 roost poles and only 14 chickens(all allowed by the sq ft deal) and they roost on just the top pole leaving the other 5 7ft long poles open---they don't need that much room Just To Roost. If they had to live in the coop or stay in it most all the time-----I agree---they need a lot of room. So before getting Mad at everyone that seems to have to many in the coop---find out what is happening----a lot might be like me----their coop is for roosting only. Roosting only coops does not have to follow the Sq ft Rule.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I got a question Just For Info Question. How many standard size chickens could a person roost in these?
1st pic----55sqft
2nd pic a 55gal barrel laying on its side(2 showing in the pic side by side)---modified
3rd pic-------large size dog house

 

[Ursuline Chick]

That's why I think this site is so great. We all don't have to agree, (except that our flock is happy and healthy), just alot of great ideas to think about. Provides for all to keep their flock in what they find to be best for their flock, and something to think about as well. Great site for a diverse country that was founded on it's diversity.

 

[Dayrel]

Most of the problem revolves around commercially-made coops. The vendor of my first coop (a 3'x7' multi-level setup) lists it as being able to host 8 chickens! They answered questions about capacity by saying that their spacing is "industry standard". Well, backyard chicken owners aren't interested in factory farm standards, but ones that are more humane.

I've converted mine into a chicken tractor and the girls get out into the yard each day and I consider it barely adequate for 3 full-size chickens. I know that I'll do better when I build my own coop next time.

 

[The Moonshiner]

tiny"urban" chicken coops that could house ONE chicken MAX and have three or four chickens in it. I know that they probably let them out during the day

Sounds like you're talking about the little Chinese kit coops that come in a box. And housing about what the box says it will hold which is probably 1/3 of what it would with any comfort level.

I get what youre saying. No one here is gonna say "I dont mind when i see chickens living in cramped quarters" whether its full time part time or just roosting.

I custom build coops and sell them sometimes. One thing that drives me crazy is that so many people want little and cute.
Sometimes they think little is cuter and many just don't want to give up much backyard space to a coop.
To each their own I have too many birds of my own I need to worry about but we would all care when we see a bird in a bad situation.

 

[User395221]

No one here is gonna say "I dont mind when i see chickens living in cramped quarters" whether its full time part time or just roosting.

I'll stick my head out and say I don't mind at all if they are in cramped quarters when they are sleeping. There are people who live in cramped quarters, several sharing rooms. It's a luxury of our affluent lifestyles that we can cosset and pet animals and provide luxurious and "comfortable" homes for them.

Don't get me wrong, I am incredibly indulgent with all of my pets, but I also realise that that indulgence is only possible because I was lucky enough to be born in an affluent country. Not everyone is that lucky. I don't have one iota of trouble accepting that somebody in different circumstances who keeps chickens to provide eggs or meat for a family may not have the resources to house them in a palace. If they get fed, and exercise, if they have to sleep in a small area, well I won't pipe up and criticise.

It is human for us to anthropomorphise our pets. A chicken has no concept of "comfort". All they know is territorial instinct and pecking order and "chicken things". If the chickens are healthy and there are no behavioural issues, they've got enough room, regardless of what's in a book.

What I as a pet owner do, and what chook farmers do are very very different things. I'm a realist, I can only think chickens need this that and the other because I'm (relatively) well off. The chickens in my urban environment have a very different experience than those in a poor environment where they are needed to provide food.

This forum is called "Backyard Chickens" so its geared towards those of us who may be more indulgent, but rather than feeling critical of those who don't have as much (including room, or money for big coops), I just feel privileged to have what I do.