Smaller coop, but large weatherproof run...how many birds would you keep?

[FeatherQueen3]

So our coop is 4x5x4 with a total of 4 nest boxes hanging on the sides and plenty of ventilation. Our run is covered and windblocked: size of 20x8. We are in central NC, so winters are mild.

My problem here is I'm accumulating more chicks than I can keep , but I am trying to decide how many can live healthy and happy in this space.
I understand the general recommendation is 4sq ft/bird in the coop, however, they will never be shut in the coop...it will only be used for sleeping and laying. Furthermore, since we have milder winters, we could place roosting options out of the coop and in the run.

 

[aart]

trying to decide how many can live healthy and happy in this space.

I wouldn't put more than 6-8 in that space.

Our run is covered and windblocked: size of 20x8.

Having a larger weatherproof run can help,
but it doesn't really solve the problem of a crowded coop.
Please post some pics of your set up.

We are in central NC

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[FeatherQueen3]

I wouldn't put more than 6-8 in that space.


Having a larger weatherproof run can help,
but it doesn't really solve the problem of a crowded coop.
Please post some pics of your set up.


Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

Added location, thanks.

I'm at work and don't have a current picture, unfortunately. I can get one later however, it is pretty similar to this in layout (with the elevated coop/nesting boxes hanging on one end) and covered run extending out. Granted I think 20x8 is larger than what is pictured here. Ours also has trees surrounding and a large building beside it that will provide wind block.

I was really hoping to keep around 12-13 birds. The coop was already existing and we added the large run.

 

[3KillerBs]

from Carthage in Moore County.

I keep my birds in an Open Air coop, which combines the coop and run combined into one unit (though I also have a large run made from electric poultry netting). You can see it featured in this article: Hot Climate Chicken Housing and Care

Your coop itself is really only suited for 5 birds while the run can, in theory, handle 16 -- though some would say less. Are you willing to consider converting the design into something more like an open air coop?

That is, permanently removing the wall between the coop and the run and increasing the sheltered area at that end to accommodate enough roosting space? That should give you about 180 square feet total space. At 14 square feet per bird -- coop and run guidelines combined -- that would, in theory accommodate about a dozen.

Of course theory and practice don't always work out and a lot would depend on the individual personalities of your birds and the exact nature of your setup.

 

[FeatherQueen3]

from Carthage in Moore County.

I keep my birds in an Open Air coop, which combines the coop and run combined into one unit (though I also have a large run made from electric poultry netting). You can see it featured in this article: Hot Climate Chicken Housing and Care

Your coop itself is really only suited for 5 birds while the run can, in theory, handle 16 -- though some would say less. Are you willing to consider converting the design into something more like an open air coop?

That is, permanently removing the wall between the coop and the run and increasing the sheltered area at that end to accommodate enough roosting space? That should give you about 180 square feet total space. At 14 square feet per bird -- coop and run guidelines combined -- that would, in theory accommodate about a dozen.

Of course theory and practice don't always work out and a lot would depend on the individual personalities of your birds and the exact nature of your setup.

That is definitely something we can consider! Thank you for sharing!!!

 

[teach1rusl]

Yeah…chicken math adds up quickly, doesn’t it? It’s how I ended up with 4 coops…lol!

In mild weather areas where birds are only indoors to sleep, some do 2 sq ft per bird of housing. Keep in mind though that 1 linear ft of roost space is still recommended (per full size bird), because they need to be able to flap up/down, and wings take up space…..and I can’t see more than two roosts fitting comfortably in a coop of that size.
More space always creates 1) more harmony 2) more health…is adding a second housing to your current run a possibility?

 

[SandyRiverChick]

So our coop is 4x5x4 with a total of 4 nest boxes hanging on the sides and plenty of ventilation. Our run is covered and windblocked: size of 20x8. We are in central NC, so winters are mild.

My problem here is I'm accumulating more chicks than I can keep , but I am trying to decide how many can live healthy and happy in this space.
I understand the general recommendation is 4sq ft/bird in the coop, however, they will never be shut in the coop...it will only be used for sleeping and laying. Furthermore, since we have milder winters, we could place roosting options out of the coop and in the run.

Do you plan to let them out of the run (free range?) 'd say 5. You can always expand the coop itself. I started in that same set up with 6 and it was to crammed at roosting time. They did not have adequate space in between them. They fit, but it should be their option to be right next to each other or not. Not to scare you but I had all RIR's and 2 roosting on either side of 1 low in the order pecked her all night and broke her neck. Harsh lesson learned many years ago about over-crowding. Since then I've expanded to the point it is 120sq ft. and I can have 20 comfortably in the roosting section (another part is brooder only.) You could even install a metal shed in front of the run and open up the coop if you don't want to build.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I second that location is vitally important. I have a 64 sq ft coop that houses 16 chickens and 8 ducks (the ducks have their own house, but they always follow the chickens). That's technically not enough space.

However, I can get away with it because they have a covered run of about 250 sq ft a few choose to sleep in. Most still cram in the coop, but I leave the coop open 24/7. I can do that because my winters are pretty mild. Winters only get into the 20s with maybe a foot of snow. Summers get very hot, but open coops are good for heat. They also have a fenced and net-covered yard they have access to all day. They are only locked in at night.
And everything is surrounded by electric fencing.

Tl; Dr - You might be able to do that if your weather allows for it.

 

[FeatherQueen3]

Yeah…chicken math adds up quickly, doesn’t it? It’s how I ended up with 4 coops…lol!

In mild weather areas where birds are only indoors to sleep, some do 2 sq ft per bird of housing. Keep in mind though that 1 linear ft of roost space is still recommended (per full size bird), because they need to be able to flap up/down, and wings take up space…..and I can’t see more than two roosts fitting comfortably in a coop of that size.
More space always creates 1) more harmony 2) more health…is adding a second housing to your current run a possibility?

Yes, that was something I had been considering was a second coop. My hubby also has separate goose and turkey runs to build and raised garden beds...all due to my requests. So, I'm also trying to avoid divorce here. I may just have to sell quite a few birds. But how do I pick?!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Yes, that was something I had been considering was a second coop. My hubby also has separate goose and turkey runs to build and raised garden beds...all due to my requests. So, I'm also trying to avoid divorce here. I may just have to sell quite a few birds. But how do I pick?!

Oooh.... Good luck with that. I tend to acquire others' discards. Good thing you're on the East coast or I'd be trying to avoid divorce, too!