Can I count the dropping board/roost space?

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

I have an 8x8 coop with a 3x8 dropping board with roost above. Can I count the 3x8 area in addition to the overall 8x8 when calculating 4 sq. feet/chicken in the coop? I'm trying to justify keeping 20 chickens in a 8x8 coop with a 9x18 run. The chicks are now 7 weeks old and two are roos.

 

[spike844]

I would not count the square footage of the dropping board as walking space, because I would not allow them to walk/sit/stand/ or do anything on there except poop!

-Noah

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Quote:
They are up there running around and hanging out now. The dropping board is covered in vinyl and then shavings. I keep it pretty clean. It's no dirtier than the floor of the coop.

 

[welasharon]

Nope poop boards don't count. That seems like a lot of chickens in there. If you have to close them up any during the winter I would imagine you are going to have problems. How cold does it get there and for how long? Snow?
sharon

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Quote:
It gets very cold and snows. There will be times when going outside will not be an option.

 

[welasharon]

Then you need to just count the coop space and that could be a problem if it is for very extended times. Being cooped up with little to do makes for some testy chickens.
sharon

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Quote:
Then, maybe what I should do is split the group and put 7 pullets with 1 roo in a 6x8 coop and the other 11 pullets and 1 roo stay in the 8x8 coop. I'm a little nervous about having roos. Wasn't the plan when I ordered the chicks

 

[welasharon]

Ha ha! I understand that! I didn't intend to have any either. I started out with started pullets to avoid it but later got some chicks....and of course some roosters! Of course by the time I realized they were roos it was too late. I was attached.

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Quote:
So, do you think my coop space and number of hens will work for these boys. I would really llike to keep them all together but my DH will KILL me if I suggest we make the coop larger.

 

[welasharon]

You can always give it a shot and make adjustments as needed. Some chickens are meaner than others. You just don't know till you try. I have three roos right now with nine hens..not the best ratio but so far so good.