Help! What size run?

[The Moonshiner]

Uh, yeah. It’s awesome, you got a problem with it? it’s super easy to clean, easy to move, easy to add accessories, and pretty much easy for everything. I love it.

 

[Squawkers]

Edit again: So, 6 birds would be 6x10=60 sq. ft. You mentioned 8x8 which would be 64 sq. ft. so yes that should be adequate. But, again, bigger certainly will not hurt

Just a thought, make sure you subtract the coop square footage from what ever run size you plan to use (assuming it is going inside of it and you are not cutting a hole in the run and attaching to to the outside)

 

[StinkyAcres]

If that coop is too small, what would a better plastic coop be for 6 LF birds? I'm looking for a plastic coop since they are typically more durable and easier to clean

If you are set on plastic, then a vinyl shed with some modifications (specifically ventilation, roosts, and nesting boxes) will work. Go for something that is at least 24 square feet. Bigger (and walk-in) if you live in a cold climate.

 

[bill3607]

Just a thought, make sure you subtract the coop square footage from what ever run size you plan to use (assuming it is going inside of it and you are not cutting a hole in the run and attaching to to the outside)

Yeah, or maybe just cut one of the chickens in half and then you won't need as much sq. footage.

 

[Squawkers]

Yeah, or maybe just cut one of the chickens in half and then you won't need as much sq. footage.

Sure… that sounds like a good idea

 

[bill3607]

Sure… that sounds like a good idea

Glad to see you are a logical thinking person.

So, how did you vent that coop you got there?

 

[Squawkers]

Glad to see you are a logical thinking person.

So, how did you vent that coop you got there?

I have too smallish vents on either side of the very top. And a larger (18”x18”) on the side of the coop opposite of the chicken door. I have a fan hanging in front of the larger vent and turn it on every night (if it’s cold I use lowest speed and point it above the chickens) I admit it doesn’t have the proper “1 square foot per chicken” but I spot clean it every morning and deep clean it twice a month. I never have a problem with dust or ammonia, so I’m not worried about ventilation. I also have very mild winters so the chickens really never have to spend all day in the coop, they are out all day long.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

We have a Rubbermaid shed somewhat similar to that, maybe 5x5 and about 4' tall. We use it for our outdoor brooder in the spring in the years when we purchase chicks, and keep them in there for, oh, maybe about three or four weeks. We brood them in the house for the first three weeks, then they go out there. Ventilation is provided by opening the top, which slides back during the day. Usually we only have eight to ten chicks so that's adequate. If it rains we open one of the front doors and leave the top closed. When they are eight weeks old we integrate them with the adults. We would not use it for permanent housing for the reasons mentioned above - crowding and ventilation. I also don't like not being able to stand up in it.

 

[bill3607]

I have too smallish vents on either side of the very top. And a larger (18”x18”) on the side of the coop opposite of the chicken door. I have a fan hanging in front of the larger vent and turn it on every night (if it’s cold I use lowest speed and point it above the chickens) I admit it doesn’t have the proper “1 square foot per chicken” but I spot clean it every morning and deep clean it twice a month. I never have a problem with dust or ammonia, so I’m not worried about ventilation. I also have very mild winters so the chickens really never have to spend all day in the coop, they are out all day long.

I think it is a good idea. I mean as long as you do not have it overcrowded by placing too many in it. And, of course if you have it vented which you do. I can see where it would be very easy to clean and have access to clean it. It is very durable. It is certainly better than these pre-fab little coops they sell.

How do you have your roost bar and nesting boxes set up?

 

[Squawkers]

I think it is a good idea. I mean as long as you do not have it overcrowded by placing too many in it. And, of course if you have it vented which you do. I can see where it would be very easy to clean and have access to clean it. It is very durable. It is certainly better than these pre-fab little coops they sell.

How do you have your roost bar and nesting boxes set up?

Yes, if you’re looking for plastic and easy to clean it’s great. I have 5 hens in the coop currently and it’s 24 square feet, so for my set up it works great. I line the bottom with 2 big black trash bags before I put shavings in, so cleaning is even easier. I just grab the edges, ball it up, and dump it in the trash. It is very durable and good quality! I’ll do my best to explain now, but I’ll take pictures tomorrow too.