were building our new coop for our new flock!

[tfb4me]

Hello all! Were getting our new flock on tuesday! Now that the frost is finally out of the ground I can get started..Last minute I know but we have been busy with the Business and the rabbits kindling. Combine that with the frost im in a crunch. I have to build a coop and run on the cheap side and need it to look good. My darling wife says whatever I build it had best not look like crap...lol. Anyway I was hoping for ideas on coop and runs. I read that our birds will require 4 squ feet per bird. were getting 5 birds from a hatchery here in ontario. The birds are already 3 months old. so the 4 squfeet is that inside and outside space or just interior space? Also as im in the city there will be no rooster. How many nest boxes do we require for 5 female layers? so many questions, so many answers on here too..That is why i posted my own question..I do love this site but all the info is confusing. Thanks in advance to all that helps!!
The Ritchie Family, Brantford Ontario , Canada

 

[chicky_mommy]

Recomended space for chickens is 4sq feet outside and 2sq feet inside. nest boxes do not count as internal or external space they are "additional" space.

 

[gryeyes]

Ummm... I wouldn't go below 4 sq ft INSIDE and 10 sq ft OUTSIDE for large fowl chickens. And yes, the real estate used up by feeders, waterers and nest boxes takes away from the total available floor space.

The recommendation is 1 nest box for each 4 hens. But I bet they'll all use the same one, anyway - that's very normal. I would never have less than two, though (even if I only had two hens). Just 'cause.

 

[tfb4me]

Ok thanks. the space I have to keep these birds in is 6x8. I want to build the coop post and beam style. Basically I'm going to use an existing fence set 4 posts in the ground and build off of them. I want a 5x4 coop elevated with a ramp.I will have a manure collection system of some sort so the space under the coop can be used as run space. So that leaves me with a 20 square foot coop and a 48 square foot run. The nest boxes will be mounted on the side of the coop on the outside. Does this sound suitable for 5 large breed birds? I can downsize so it isn't all that big of a deal if we go with 4 either. I was going to use 2x4 and sheet plywood for the structure. I have a question in regards to the floor of the run. I was thinking of rototilling the area where they will be and planting timothy or something to that effect. Then burying chain link fencing in the ground, so no intruders can enter when im not home. As for the run do I have to use welded wire or can I get away with chain link? Thanks again for all the so very useful information folks.

 

[chicky_mommy]

4sq feet outside and 2sq inside is per bird, recomended minimum.

 

[Cargo]

Bare minimum, 4 sf inside and 10 sf outside.
Unless you are running an egg sweatshop.

But go bigger. Seriously. Go as big as you can stand and afford.
Or else you will want a new coop before that one is done.
Many long time chicken owners recommend 3 times that much.

 

[shippernhorse]

I am sooo happy to see another family in Brantford has Chickens in there yard. I have been trying to find the by-law about chickens so could you please let me know what it is for brantford, on. Im so excited!!!!!

 

[chicken_noob]

I think the 4x5 coop and the 48sq ft run will be fine for 5 birds and I also agree with using 2 nesting boxes...just incase. Never messed with Timothy and as for the till'n.. sounds like it would be messy for the chickens. If it were me with that setup I may edge the bottom of the run area with treated 2x10. Then if you wanted you could lay out the chainlink on the ground and attach it to the 2x10 and then fill with sand. Then depending if chickens eat timothy you could plant some right outside the run. As it grows the chickens could nibble it off on their side still letting your side look "landscaped" just my 2cents. Not sure how or what animals can sence, but buried wire or not...freshly till'd ground might look inviting, though it wouldn't be able go get in, it may still stress your chickens.

 

[Erin~TheChickenLover]

Do keep in mind though that your pen does not have to be quite as big if you let your chickens out to free range.

I would have 3 nest boxes for 5 laying hens...2 might be sufficient though! Good luck and have fun with your chickens!