What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[Scoobs]

After a disastrous start with chickens, started with 3 in an eglu in August and had lost 2 by the end of November I'm planning to start again with a WIR. (Remaining lady is with a chicken foster home trying to be integrated into her flock). I only have space for a 10ft x 6 ft run with the eglu for the coop. Any advice on how many ladies this will comfortably house? I was thinking of 4 but perhaps 3 might be better? Also, should I try pure breeds instead of hybrids for more hardiness, being a complete novice can anyone advise on a breed? Last time I had 2 Miss Pepperpots and a Gingernut ranger and 1 Pepperpot is left.

 

Fingers crossed I want to get going for the spring, I miss the fresh eggs!

 

Thanks, this forum is so useful and people so kind for their advice.

[Cooks]

well I have a 12ft x 6 ft and have 5 in there very easily with a cube on the outside. I would say you are perfectly ok with either 3 or 4 depending on whatever you choose.

 

Just bear in mind if they are BIG girls you choose they will have less room in the eglu at night, although having said that they do snuggle up tight.

 

I think the breeds are all lovely myself, I have a bluebelle (hybrid), Skyline (hybrid with 70% chance of blue eggs, mine lays cream ) I have a black rock, like your miss pepperpot and I have two orpingtons, which are busty ladies, they take up a bit of room but their feathers keep the others warm and snug

Edited February 13, 2010 by Guest

[Space Chick]

You'd be fine with up to 5 in that space, and 5 will sleep in an Eglu

[Redwing]

I have five in a 9 x 6 run but its not ideal if they dont get to free range, luckily one of mine is a bantam who doesnt take up much room!

[Jools]

I think the eglu will be the deciding factor and I'd say that three will be more comfortable. It's always better to under-stock so they have more room, that way there's less risk of anti-social behaviour or stress-induced problems.