[SurreyLass]

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How many hens do you think the interior of this house is really good for? We already have this, which opens into a bigger, low run, but we have spent the last 2 days (probably with another 2 more days work to come!!) building a lovely big walk in run. The plan is that this house with its tiny run will open onto the new big walk in run. I currently only have 3 hens, but was hoping to get one more - though I would love to get 2 more if you thought there was room!

We have already modified the roosting situation inside the house, by making 2 bars which are the full width of the house (kind of self standing and fully removable, as the built in one was pants and had a lovely area for red mite to hide in!!!)

I would appreciate your thoughts - I have 2 ISA Browns and a Sussex at the moment.

Thanks, as always!

[emotion-2003]

hi
they wrote that 6 to 8 birds.but i have the similarone and the same size.i am using for my for warrens and same size hens.its good size to keep 4 birds at night but i dont think run is good enough for 4 birds.i think its ideal for 2-3 hens.
hope its helps:)

[SurreyLass]

They wont use this run (and dont now) - its just a tunnel into the walk in run - they are never enclosed in this at all

[emotion-2003]

hoops.ok ok.sorry
so you can put 6 to 8 hens then

[SurreyLass]

Do you think its big enough for 6?? I thought 5 might be a push, but I dont know!

[ANHBUC]

I had 6 hens in the same coop and they were really happy.  They did tend to all like one perch though but that is hens for you.   

[Geo]

Surrey Lass I have the same coop which sits inside a walk in run. I extended the coop by  adding a section between the nest area and the nest box. I have also changed from a small access door to a full panel that you can remove when cleaning. pictures can be posted if you are interested in enlarging the coop. Geo

[SurreyLass]

How many girls do you have in it Geo? Would love to see some pics!

[Geo]

I have  6 hens at present and could get more in but will wait until the spring before maybe adding another 2/3. I have removed the door and made a removeable panel that locates  in position using dowels at the bottom and bolts at the top. I have also added extra roost bars since the photos were taken.

[SurreyLass]

Looks great Geo!
Dont think I had better suggest that to my husband just yet - tommorrow is day 4 of the construction of the new walk in run - he is a qualified civil engineer so takes things rather seriously!!! We only have another hour or so's work to do to finish the new run.
I think I might get 2 more girls on Monday - I am fairly confident 5 would be ok as it is!

[Geo]

I would give the convertion of the small door to a full removable panel a thought. It make a big diffence when it come to cleaning out the coop. I now lift the removeable tray up and empty it into the compost bin instead of sliding it out and spilling a lot of it.

[upert]

6 chickens could roost in there comfortably i'd say.

i wonder who keeps the most hens on the forum? excluding commercial farmers. i only have 9 and four ducks.i have a smallish shed which is plenty room for they only sleep and shelter in there, and all huddle when they do. i guess they appreciate the space for sorting themselves out before and after sleeping and going through the door.

[Walfre]

We have had 5 hens in the same coop, would easily take a couple more. Ours are hybrids.

[Debbieta]

in reply to upert, I have 17 chickens (3 are cockerals only one will survive, long term! yum)and 24 quail.

[ANHBUC]

11 chickens (think 2 are cockerels), 9 quail and 2 turkeys.

Did have 19 chickens earlier in the year after hatching some so I am sure the number will increase again next Spring.  Quite fancy hatching some Muscovy duck eggs.