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Turning a dog run into a coop

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by dangersjones, Apr 26, 2016.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Apr 26, 2016 #1
    dangersjones

    dangersjones New Egg

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    Apr 4, 2016
    Lodi,CA
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    I'm new to chicken keeping and purchased a premade coop for my four pullets at Tractor Supply. It was cute and would look nice in my suburban back yard. The add said it accommodates 6-9 chickens but my 3 month olds are already super crowded. I'm pretty crafty and thought I could come up with a more comfortable.
    I purchased a dog run, (4x6x8 feet) and I'm planning on modifying an old dresser to be a nesting box/shelter.
    My question is, how much covered indoor space do four chickens need? I live in Central California so it doesn't get too crazy cold. I know they're supposed to sleep on roost bars but they're currently sleeping in the inclosed part of my store bought coop. Help!
     
  3. Apr 26, 2016 #2
    Pork Pie Ken

    Pork Pie Ken Monkey Business Premium Member

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    Jan 30, 2015
    Africa - near the equator
    Your birds will naturally sleep in the enclosed space - thats really what is for. Unfortunately, the number of birds prefab coops claim to hold a grossly exaggerated. Here are the minimum recommended space requirements for chickens, per bird:

    Coop - 4 sqft
    Run - 10 sqft
    Roost - 1 ft

    The roosts needs to be in the enclosed space.

    Good luck
    CT
     

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