2 separate coops ???

[brandon170]

We are very new to the chicken life. We have one coop with a large run already finished with 12 chickens. My wife is wanting more so I plan on building another coop. We let them free range when we are home. My question is if I build another coop and get twelve more chickens and let all 24 free range at the same time will they go back to their own coops? Or will we have 24 trying to get into one? Thanks

 

[Judy]

There's really no way to tell what they will do unless you try it. Flocks do tend to have groups within the flocks, so they will probably stay with their groups. I would add on to a coop rather than build another, myself.

 

[Kelsie2290]

I have multiple small coops throughout the yard and one large "coop" inside the barn, most of my birds free range together. As long as the coops are about equally attractive to the birds, most of the birds tend to stay in the coop where they are raised unless I move them. This isn't 100% though, some birds will move elsewhere on their own.

 

[brandon170]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[brandon170]

Anyone else with multiple coops?

 

[Mama Hen Chris]

I have 2 coops. One for my LF hens and one for the silkies. They are let out into the yard before I go to work and then when I get home. They are in their own runs during the day. Both silkies and LF hens return to their correct homes. They all explore each others runs and coops when I let them out to free range.

silkie coop


LF coop


the run between them ( this was taken prior to the silkie addition completed)
The small coop inside the run is for broodies, chicks and grow out)




If you have a run for the new coop and girls, I suggest not letting them free range for a few days to get used to their own home.

 

[City farm]

Anyone have advice on a soft large crop? Our black French copper Maran has had one for the 2nd day.. Can I help her
with manipulation? It could be nothing, it just seems to be softer than the other girls.. And it is way larger than any of the other girls.
I did scan the emergencies Fourm. Nothing was labeled CROP.. So I figured I would ask here first..