Check out my 1st coop

[ChickenDaddy911]

Hey everyone. First time keeping chickens. Coop floor is 8x4. How many chickens would you guys put in this with 6 boxes? The run is only 10x8 but I will probably double it. I'm new at this but thinking options are

- Dozen birds when confined to the 10x8 run
- 20 birds if free range and 6 box coop
- Add 6 more boxes to the other side.. .free range.....and keep 2 dozen. We have 2.5 fenced acres so I'd love to free range but coyotes etc...

 

[DobieLover]

Coop floor is 8x4. How many chickens would you guys put in this with 6 boxes?

I would keep 8 chickens in it and would only need 2 boxes.
You have WAY more nest boxes in proportion to the coop area. You need 3.5-4 sq ft of floor space per bird in the coop and 1 nest box per 4-5 hens.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

You may be able to keep 14 to 16 full sized chickens if you have a large enough run and they spend most of their time outside and you have enough roosting space. e.g. 2 times 8 feet and both roosting bars are at the same level.

 

[StinkyAcres]

What is your general location/climate? 20 would be too many in any climate. If you get any snow or cold weather, I would agree with 8 standard-size breeds.

 

[ChickenDaddy911]

I would keep 8 chickens in it and would only need 2 boxes.
You have WAY more nest boxes in proportion to the coop area. You need 3.5-4 sq ft of floor space per bird in the coop and 1 nest box per 4-5 hens.

I hear ya on the 6 boxes but hey, maybe they will like more options. Too late now. I've read the 4 sq/ft suggestion. That just seems like a lot of space. Do chickens typically hang out on the coop floor or is it more for nesting and roosting?

 

[ChickenDaddy911]

You may be able to keep 14 to 16 full sized chickens if you have a large enough run and they spend most of their time outside and you have enough roosting space. e.g. 2 times 8 feet and both roosting bars are at the same level.

14-16 wouod be great. I made a 10x8 run. I'll probably double it. (2) 8ft bars is no problem. How often are they hanging out on the coop floor?

 

[ChickenDaddy911]

What is your general location/climate? 20 would be too many in any climate. If you get any snow or cold weather, I would agree with 8 standard-size breeds.

We're in south Florida 10a

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

14-16 wouod be great. I made a 10x8 run. I'll probably double it. (2) 8ft bars is no problem. How often are they hanging out on the coop floor?

Mine go in in the evening and go straight to the roosting bars. In the morning most will be on the floor waiting for me to let them out.

Make the run as big as you are able.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I hear ya on the 6 boxes but hey, maybe they will like more options. Too late now. I've read the 4 sq/ft suggestion. That just seems like a lot of space. Do chickens typically hang out on the coop floor or is it more for nesting and roosting?

In inclement weather, yes, chickens will hang out on the coop floor. However, if the run is roofed you may be able to get away with a smaller coop footprint. In your climate you will want an open air style coop https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wanted-open-air-coop-pics.1489579/.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Make the run as big as you are able.

This^ Always good to have ample run and coop space in case free ranging doesn't work out (predators WILL find them eventually). I had 7 birds in a 12.5'x8.5' run and it felt small. Some were pacing and yelling at me to come let them out.