Chickhearne Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 I'm looking at getting 3 x buff orps. I'm looking at giving them 18 sq ft per hen. I've had comments that my Go and run (3mx2m, total of 54sq foot) both look too small for full size orps, but everything I've read says this is almost double the minimum recommended space. Is this really too small? I don't want to stress my birds out but likewise don't want to fall foul off breed snobbery when this is actually OK for them. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 Three full sized Buff Orps will be a little squashed in a Go. And although following the ‘guidelines’ a 3m x 2m run is enough space, it really isn’t if they’re going to be shut in there for any length of time. If that is the set-up you’re set on, I’d recommend hybrids or better still bantams. If you’re set on Buff Orpington’s then I’d suggest re-thinking your set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 I kept large fowl orps for many years, although I don't any more. Assuming you are talking about LF then Mullethunter is right, the Go Up is really too small for 3, and she is also right about the run size, unless they will have some chance to range. Although orps do stand confinement better than many breeds, I wouldn't keep 3 full-time in that space. I can think of 2 solutions - get 2 birds (I started off with 2 hens in a classic, it worked a treat) or try 3 buff orp bantams! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickhearne Posted August 28, 2020 Author Share Posted August 28, 2020 Thanks, it's definitely the LF I'm after, not bantams. I've ordered a 2m extension for before they arrive, then I can increase incrementally over the next year as time allows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted August 28, 2020 Share Posted August 28, 2020 Don’t dismiss the fact that you will need separate accommodation if you introduce new chickens to established ones. For health reasons they need to be kept separate but in sight of each other for at least two weeks when you get new ones. Then gradually introduced to each other which can take weeks sometimes. Introductions can be tricky so if I were you, I’d get all your hens together. They are originally pterodactyls after all, and red in claw and beak after all! That might mean compromising the type you want. Or expanding your space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 29, 2020 Share Posted August 29, 2020 I'll look forward to hearing what you get, LF orps are just my favourites of all time, and I do miss them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
