Run, space, layout

[Harmoni]

Looking for some recommendations or advice on our chicken space. Our coop is 5.5x6 with an attached secure run that is 5.5x10 plus a triangle that is 6 feet long (the secure run and coop are retrofitted to our kids playhouse. We added a daytime run that is 15x12.
We currently have 4 mature hens, one of which just hatched 2 chicks and 4 7 week olds, totaling 10 birds. Is this enough room? Also trying to decide if I should move momma and her babies. She's currently in a unsecure dog crate with a ground level nest box. The crate was to keep the other birds from laying eggs in her nest. Pics attached. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[TooCheep]

The commonly cited numbers for humane backyard chicken keeping are 4sqft/full sized chicken in the coop, 10sqft/chicken in the run and 1ft of roost space/chicken. Based on your numbers, sounds like you can accommodate 8 full sized birds, though I'm not sure how big that coop roost is.

Looks like you have 3 nesting boxes which should be plenty for that many. I like all of the things you have in the run for the chickens. That should help to keep them well occupied and stimulated to minimize stress and conflict. Also, the hanging food/water is very good to minimize problems. Nice setup!

 

[Harmoni]

The commonly cited numbers for humane backyard chicken keeping are 4sqft/full sized chicken in the coop, 10sqft/chicken in the run and 1ft of roost space/chicken. Based on your numbers, sounds like you can accommodate 8 full sized birds, though I'm not sure how big that coop roost is.

Looks like you have 3 nesting boxes which should be plenty for that many. I like all of the things you have in the run for the chickens. That should help to keep them well occupied and stimulated to minimize stress and conflict. Also, the hanging food/water is very good to minimize problems. Nice setup!

The roosts are 5ft long each. Pretty sure we are going to get rid of one or 2 older ones later on.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Run space should be good as long as the larger one is always available during the day.

Coop is a bit tight... it's doable, but you may find some squabbling at night once the younger ones all start roosting. Also how much ventilation do you have in the coop? Since you're in a hotter climate, that might be a concern to double the amount of nighttime respiration in there.

 

[Harmoni]

Run space should be good as long as the larger one is always available during the day.

Coop is a bit tight... it's doable, but you may find some squabbling at night once the younger ones all start roosting. Also how much ventilation do you have in the coop? Since you're in a hotter climate, that might be a concern to double the amount of nighttime respiration in there.

They have access to the big run as soon as I let them out in the morning.
We have an attic exhaust fan that kicks on at 83 degrees. The pop door stays open and there is a fan in the window on the south side. I tried telling my husband that we needed more ventilation but he insists that the fan is enough.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They have access to the big run as soon as I let them out in the morning.
We have an attic exhaust fan that kicks on at 83 degrees. The pop door stays open and there is a fan in the window on the south side. I tried telling my husband that we needed more ventilation but he insists that the fan is enough.

Guess wait and see how things go in summer, if it starts getting unbearably hot in there, you'll at least be able to point to concrete evidence that you need more ventilation.

 

[3KillerBs]

I tried telling my husband that we needed more ventilation but he insists that the fan is enough.

Guess wait and see how things go in summer, if it starts getting unbearably hot in there, you'll at least be able to point to concrete evidence that you need more ventilation.

My empirical ventilation test is to put my head and shoulders into the coop on a warm, sunny day. If it's hotter inside than out you need more ventilation.

Also, if there is any ammonia odor you need more ventilation and you need it placed at roof-level. Heat and ammonia both rise.

 

[3KillerBs]

P.S. Show your husband this diagram and talk to him about the cost in electricity of running fans all the time:

It's from an article on cow barns, but the principle is the same.

 

[Harmoni]

We have a thermometer with a humidistat in there. So far, the temp has only ever been 1 degree higher than outside and 1 percent more humid.

The high velocity exhaust fan is at the peak of the roof on the south east facing wall.