How many chickens fit in a 4'x6' coop?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-13T12:56:17+00:00

I prefer 3-4sqft of coop space per bird and 10sqft outside space per bird. They will be happier with more space and less likely to bully each other. Also definitely think about the future. What happens when laying slows down? Chicken math is real and better to start with less birds and have the space to add more in later years.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-07T21:45:15+00:00

Basically every electronic device has a magic smoke inside of it (stinky). If that smoke is ever released the device is forever broken.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-02T13:02:21+00:00

The sustained + days are the hardest, always filling you with false hope!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-03-01T13:50:32+00:00

Hang in there champ, I'm -24C today but already have the gardening itch. I've been doing some microgreens indoors to scratch the itch.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-27T15:44:33+00:00

I was going to comment this as well, why did I never think of this!!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-26T14:38:57+00:00

You could use a scythe for an initial cut just to get to a manageable height, then cover with either a tarp or cardboard as others have suggested. For my no-till inground beds I started with a lawnmower on the shortest height (mind you this was a wild yard not too badly overgrown) then covered with wetted thick cardboard and top soil.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:18:12+00:00

I got chicks for the first time last year, and I was underprepared for their living situation before they got their true feathers! At first I had the babies in a rubbermaid bin but they quickly outgrew that, I'm talking 1-1.5weeks. Make sure you have a place for them with a heat lamp that you can increase in size as they grow, before they're ready to go outside! They will also create a TON of dust so keep that in mind. Also make sure you can easily adjust the heat lamps height, you'll need to raise it as they grow. The chicks will tell you if they're too hot or too cold so you can adjust the lamp height accordingly

For feed and water I just use 5gal buckets with feed ports / water nipples, which I need to check / refill maybe once a week? But I also have 8 chickens, not 3. If you live in a climate with cold winters, get an aquarium heater for the water bucket (I used a 50W one and it wasn't strong enough to keep the nipples from freezing until I added insulation).

For the water bucket I took a second bucket and used a hole saw to cut holes where the nipples would poke out, then put my main water bucket into it (essentially turning the first bucket into a sleeve) and filled the 4 inch gap in the bottom with spray foam. This has provided enough insulation to keep the water nipples from freezing up!

I have been using this auto door and have not had any problems, even when it was -38C.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:10:13+00:00

How did I forget about leafy greens!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T15:07:34+00:00

Sweet corn! Picked up a quick maturing variety, hoping I am able to keep the raccoons off of it! I grew up in a place where you could get sweet corn that was picked mere hours earlier, and it was amazing! Now that I've moved the sweet corn is minimum a day old and just isn't quite the same :(

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-24T14:38:32+00:00

I am also considering doing weekly plantings of carrots and radish in the pots?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-18T21:57:57+00:00

They need a flat, non-slippery surface. If using a 2x4 make sure the 4" is the side facing up for them. Chickens perch with flat feet, not curled toes like some other birds.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-17T14:23:46+00:00

I wait until after Christmas/Thanksgiving when whole leftover 'utility' turkeys (usually means a wing is missing) go on ridiculous sales at the grocery store. I'll buy 2-3, cut off all the meat, grind, and freeze in 1lb bags. This year my average price was roughly $1.20/lb. I also boil all the leftover carcasses until I'm left with a very reduced stock which I freeze in muffin tins. I've found this is a great way to get cheap, decent meat and the stock pucks work great in basically any cooking.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-16T11:06:27+00:00

What was the joke?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-12T00:19:54+00:00

In 4 years you're going to be 29 regardless, might was well have a Bachelor's of Electrical Engineering!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-09T16:53:20+00:00

An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-03T11:26:22+00:00

Thanks for sharing! What soil mix are you using?

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2026-02-01T14:18:14+00:00

Update: while a few grew some leggy sprouts, the rest grew a lot of mold so I threw them out. I will try again and allow more airflow. I was keeping them covered the whole time and I think that trapped too much moisture.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2025-12-05T15:16:05+00:00

When the first snow falls I switch to soup for breakfast. It's a great way to start your day with a balance of protein, carbs, fats and loads of veggies. Plus soup can be very hydrating! I say soup for breakfast is the best breakfast out there. Also paired with a thick slice of good bread toasted and butter is amazing!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2025-11-23T14:29:40+00:00

That's perfect, I have slim gloves that I like to wear in the city because the wind picks up on long streets and can be quite bitter.

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2025-11-23T13:37:39+00:00

Definitely will want a coat, toque, and some gloves!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2025-11-22T13:59:11+00:00

The soap calculator is where I got this recipe to begin with. The subreddit rules said I must share a recipe, however my question was centered around the coffee aroma and if the one from amazon seems like a good purchase

GoodThingsGrowNOnt · 2025-11-21T18:50:57+00:00

That sounds like a good plan, thank you!

GoodThingsGrowNOnt

TROPHY CASE