All use same coop?

[HereChickChickChick88]

My chickens free range all day, 9 chickens. I had 4 in a very nice “6 chicken coop” and added 5 now pullets to make the 9 and added another coop that holds about 3 full size (I used it to acclimate the chicks outside till they were big enough to join the others). Both coops have runs (actually the smaller coop has a bigger run) but they all choose to cram into the 6 chicken coop and no one will roost in the other. There is enough room for just roosting in the other coop since they free range all day I’m not sure it’s such a big deal other than more frequent cleaning and more diligent to prevent diseases. Is this normal that they all want to roost together? Also my 4 laying hens all fight over the same nesting box - we have 5 nesting boxes but they will pace and throw a fit While waiting to take turns in that particular box.

 

[Mr&MrsSimmonsCalifornia]

They should be fine sleeping as long as its kept clean and i'm sure they feel safe and warmer that way... My Hens always lay in the same nest even though there are enough nesters to lay in there own spots.. Shouldn't be a problem unless one lays weak eggs or you got a broody in the nest.. If they get cramped im sure some will find a new spot. I have one that likes to sleep on the back porch under the table, they like to pick on her..

 

[Mr&MrsSimmonsCalifornia]

Do you have a pic of the coop?

 

[SueT]

You can consider yourself lucky that they all get along so well! I say good for them!

 

[Mr&MrsSimmonsCalifornia]

Seriously wish mine got along so well!

 

[HereChickChickChick88]

 

[HereChickChickChick88]

The above left is the “6 chicken coop” and the right is the smaller “3 chicken coop” - we built into a smaller rabbit cage type thing on the right and added nesting boxes and a longer run - they are out all day everyday, eating hopefully ticks and whatever else they can find. I am worried about what I’m going to do with them the day I have a yard sale though - they are too nosey to let them roam that day for sure haha

 

[aart]

Is this normal that they all want to roost together?

Also my 4 laying hens all fight over the same nesting box - we have 5 nesting boxes but they will pace and throw a fit While waiting to take turns in that particular box.

Yes, it's normal.

Try putting fake eggs/golf balls into all the nests,
works here to 'spread the love',
no that there still isn't some squabbling on occasion.