Will 7 Silkie fit in a coop meant for 4-6 larger chickens?

[CaitlinB]

I am currently trying to find the right coop. We don't have our chicks yet but I want to be prepared for everything. I have read in multiple places that Silkies are much smaller and will huddle together at night. I plan on them being free range and in a large dog kennel that is 9'high and 9'wide except at night. We have already made our back yard secure as well. We have a 6 foot cinder block all that goes around the whole yard and we have buried chicken wire 3 feet down. We also have a huge warehouse that surrounds our entire back yard and we don't get many predators in our area because of the warehouse. Some one will always be out with them when they are not locked in the run or the coop. So really all I need is a place for them to sleep, all other times they will be out and about. I only wanted to do 3 chickens but no place will sell only 3 chicks. All places have minimum orders and there isn't a hatchery in my state offering baby chicks right now.

 

[Oceanpizza]

I know silkies to huddle. 7 silkies (which are bantams, meaning they're small) should fit in a coop for 4-6 large chickens.

 

[CaitlinB]

I know silkies to huddle. 7 silkies (which are bantams, meaning they're small) should fit in a coop for 4-6 large chickens.

Wonderful. I ordered a coop but it won't be here until the chicks arrive. I was hoping it would still work and I wouldn't have to cancel the order to order a new one. Thank you for your response.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I would plan on about 4 sq. ft. per bird, and then build bigger, for the additions you will probably want later. Silkie chicks will run right through that chain-link, so at least add hardware cloth on the lower three feet of the run! Also, plan on covering the run,, at least with netting to keep out hawks. A roof would be best, maybe later? Mary

 

[CaitlinB]

Luckily it used to be a run for a chiauhauah so there is already hardwire cloth and it has a roof too. Each chick will have more than double that space with the yard run and coop so I guess everything will work out. Thank you so much.