Want more chickens in Colorado!

[ragschickens]

We have an 18 square foot coop with 4 nesting boxes. We currently have 3 "hens" and 1 duck, all about 8 weeks old. They free range on 5 acres during the day, though they stay very close right now. How many more chickens/ducks can we get comfortably? We get a ton of snow in the winter, will they stay in the coop during the winter? I am loving them so much, I think I could easily become a "crazy chicken lady" but don't want them to be too crowded in the winter.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I wouldn't get any more. You're at max capacity now, and in the winter they may not want to come out, especially if you do not have a covered/wind blocked run for them to go out into during the day. My turkeys and guineas go out in the snow but my chickens prefer to stay in the run, which I cover in clear plastic during the winter when there are cold winds or snow.

 

[Venumfire]

The main space consideration for chickens that have access to free range, is the amount of roost space they have at night. Most of their time is spent sleeping in the coop and they need enough space to roost. I would make sure that each chicken has a minimum of 16" of roost bar space. We do have coops and chickens available if you are interested in upgrading the size of yours to accommodate more hens. We are located in Strasburg, co.

 

[Folly's place]

You are maxed out right now in coop space, and if you have a drake, he'll need to go before maturing. Chickens are NOT fond of snow, and will want to keep it off their little feet all winter. A covered run would be a very good idea, as long as you build with snow load in mind. Mary