Busybird Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 I love my new cube And now I have room for more chooks (once I have got the introductions sorted and my 2 newbies are in with the 4 oldies). So, today I ordered another extension for the cube run which will make it 4m long. How many chooks do you think I could keep in a 4m cube run? When I am home they free range for a few hours each day but there are days when they are confined to the run - particularly in summer when we go away for weekends camping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 It depends on which way you look at it. If you follow the preferred method of Omleteers that have planned WIR's etc, a recommendation of 1 square metre per girl is sensible. Looking at the dimensions of the cube and run, it is 1.2 metres wide x 4 metres long (in your case) making 4.8 square metres. So if you went for the preferred route, that would say 5 tops (less than you already have). When I had the cube and the standard 2 metre run (2.4 metres squared), I had 4 girls in there. It was tight, but OK. However, I decided to build the WIR as I wanted my girls to have more space and to add to my flock anyway. I would say the absolute maximum you could even consider in a 4 metre run would be 8. However, this is my humble opinion only. However, some clever people have added levels to their cube runs using roosting bars or shoe racks, which add interest and space for your girls. Even then I wouldn't go above 8, as this extra "space" would take you nearer that 1 square metre each. I hope this helps, and sorry if it sounds negative. However, you are more likely to get behavioural problems if they feel too cramped. Glad you love your cube I love mine too, even more so since its been on the side of a massive WIR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 I agree with SC and advise that if you know you want more additions to the ones you already have then consider building a WIR that is big enough for all of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 I agree with SC and CM. I would keep 5-6 medium hybrids in that run if they are free-ranging a little. If you want anymore than that then it will probably be best to get yourself a WIR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 or more extensions and have a cube train like me "Choooo Chooooo!!!!!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 you just like making train impressions.. :lol: Yes that is an option Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busybird Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 Thanks for the replies - I probably needed grounding anyway. I was getting a bit carried away by the thought of getting more chooks I will look at putting some play equipment in the cube run once the extension is in place and see how the 6 girlies I have get on in there. Once I have finished introductions I will have the eglu and it's 4m run free so perhaps i will just fill that up and keep 2 separate flocks side by side and free ranging together. I wonder will the chooks oblige and go to bed where they are supposed to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
