Will this coop be okay, too small?

[MizzPeabodyIV]

If my chicks turn out to be hens I will have three of them. I need a coop that's on the smaller side, cute and the cheaper the better. I found this one and at $275 I think it fits the bill, unless it will be too small. I'm not sure how much I will let the chickens free range in my small backyard. I have concerns about them pooping all over our patio and destroying our tiny lawn. I think I will be able to let them out for an hour or two a day minimum. I also live near Seattle and I'm not sure how chickens react to rain. Will they want to go out in it? If the chickens are mostly kept in the coop, is it too small for three of them? The dimensions are 42"h x 68"w x 31"d.

 

[countrygoddess]

This is perfect for three. Maybe even 5. =)

 

[aart]

Keep in mind that those dimensions are probably for the overall structure including the nest box.

So you need specific dimensions of the coop itself and the run itself to apply the rule of thumb of 4sqft per bird in the coop and 10sqft per bird in the run.

These premade coops are usually way too small for the birds they claim they can hold and are often rather cheaply made and in need of much modification, weather proofing and strengthening.

If you want to be well prepared, I strongly suggest that you do a lot of searching and reading here on the coop and predator forums before committing to a structure that you might well be disappointed in.

 

[Chris Sebastian]

I have a coop just like that for three hens. It fits them fine. We let them them out at 7 pm and they come back at 8 pm. It gives them time to stretch. that coop will be perfect....

 

[aart]

I have a coop just like that for three hens. It fits them fine. We let them them out at 7 pm and they come back at 8 pm. It gives them time to stretch. that coop will be perfect....

That's good to know Chris! How old are your birds, how long have you had this coop and what is your climate like?

 

[cleigh]

I bought that coop. It's fine for interior space for 2-3 hens. You'll need more exterior space though. There's an add on for it (which I got) that about doubles your outdoor space and is easy to close up if you don't want them on that side. I had to add a couple latches to it. I think I added one to the add on run and one to the roof of the main coop because they weren't latched in any way (anything could come by and lift it open). You'll need to do something about burrowing predators. I think the quality is pretty good and so far I really like it. It was a breeze to put together.

 

[Chris Sebastian]

I have 3 leghorn hens. They are all 1 year old. I have had this coop (http://www.petco.com/product/119082...m_mmc=bazaarvoice-_-RLP-_-119082-_-image_link) for over a month and my chickens are happy and healthy. I live in harrisburg pennsylvania and it is starting to get warm around here.. Chickens don't mind rain either they will still roam around in it which is fascinating....

 

[bjones1128]

My brother has a coop very similar to this that he purchased atTtractor Supply. He keeps five chickens in it, which I personally think is a little much. Depending on who you talk to and what book you read, it is reccomended that chickens have 2 to 4 square feet each in an indoor coop and at least 4 square feet each in the run. Personally, I tend to think at least 3-4 square feet inside is a good fit. Too many chickens for the space and they will start pecking each other a lot. I think this would be fine for three chickens, though.

My brother has not had any problems with the quality/durability of his, but he has only had it for a few months. It is cute!

 

[Jacobs chicks]

We have this coop with the extension and have (2) Gold Stars and (1) Americauna which have been together as chicks and are almost 6 months old. I think the space is a little small for constant keeping so we let them free range during the day and lock them up at night.

My question is - in the last month the Gold Stars both started laying eggs and are chasing the Americauna out of the coop. Now at night they throw a fit and don't want her in the coop to sleep so she ends up on a tree branch. Any suggestions as to why this is occuring and anything I can do to integrate her back in. There are 2 laying boxes, however, the (2) Gold Stars use the same one and the other is left untouched. Will they do this if a coop is too small?

Looking forward to responses!

 

[Jacobs chicks]

We have this coop with the extension and have (2) Gold Stars and (1) Americauna which have been together as chicks and are almost 6 months old. I think the space is a little small for constant keeping so we let them free range during the day and lock them up at night.

My question is - in the last month the Gold Stars both started laying eggs and are chasing the Americauna out of the coop. Now at night they throw a fit and don't want her in the coop to sleep so she ends up on a tree branch. Any suggestions as to why this is occuring and anything I can do to integrate her back in. There are 2 laying boxes, however, the (2) Gold Stars use the same one and the other is left untouched. Will they do this if a coop is too small?

Looking forward to responses!