Better to have one large coop, or 3 small ones?

sophiehatter1057

In the Brooder
Apr 17, 2025
26
17
28
I have 12 chicks that are growing fast! Because of the ease of using large dog kennels (and because I'm not handy) I wondered: is it okay to just get three kennels and put 4 chooks in each one? Or do they do better as one large, integrated flock?
 
Hello, you can do that, but I'd recommend one flock. From my experience, the smaller the flock, the more aggressive the pecking order. It is possible that each flock could get along just fine with zero issues, but you'd be more likely to have hens bullying each other. Another thing to consider is the extra work of multiple coops, 3 feeders, 3 waterers, and 3 coops to clean. You can go that route if you'd prefer, but I'd say it would be better/easier to have one large flock. :)
 
Hello, you can do that, but I'd recommend one flock. From my experience, the smaller the flock, the more aggressive the pecking order. It is possible that each flock could get along just fine with zero issues, but you'd be more likely to have hens bullying each other. Another thing to consider is the extra work of multiple coops, 3 feeders, 3 waterers, and 3 coops to clean. You can go that route if you'd prefer, but I'd say it would be better/easier to have one large flock. :)
I'm so new to flock dynamics so thanks for explaining that!
 
I have 12 chicks that are growing fast! Because of the ease of using large dog kennels (and because I'm not handy) I wondered: is it okay to just get three kennels and put 4 chooks in each one? Or do they do better as one large, integrated flock?
A few questions:
Are all 12 together now? and what is their age?

Do you have a coop for them or only large dog kennels, which will not hold them for long. What are your plans when they outgrow the kennels? and they will.

Have you searched on fb marketplace or craigslist for used coops/sheds?
 
A few questions:
Are all 12 together now? and what is their age?

Do you have a coop for them or only large dog kennels, which will not hold them for long. What are your plans when they outgrow the kennels? and they will.

Have you searched on fb marketplace or craigslist for used coops/sheds?
All 12 are currently together in my house in a brooder. I had bought a 10x20 amazon "coop" (really a run with a tarp for a roof--I'm in a warm climate, no real winter so was going to do "open air" coop). The plan was to surround it in hardware cloth which I have. But the frame won't even go together properly because the pieces were either damaged or improperly machined, and the company won't respond for replacement parts. So, I'm trying to figure out if tarps and kennels would work for this purpose. I do have a huge wooden shed that a friend is going to fix up for the chickens to use on stormy days, but the plan was to do the open air coop for the majority of the year. Not much on FB where I am so far but I do keep checking.
 
All 12 are currently together in my house in a brooder. I had bought a 10x20 amazon "coop" (really a run with a tarp for a roof--I'm in a warm climate, no real winter so was going to do "open air" coop). The plan was to surround it in hardware cloth which I have. But the frame won't even go together properly because the pieces were either damaged or improperly machined, and the company won't respond for replacement parts. So, I'm trying to figure out if tarps and kennels would work for this purpose. I do have a huge wooden shed that a friend is going to fix up for the chickens to use on stormy days, but the plan was to do the open air coop for the majority of the year. Not much on FB where I am so far but I do keep checking.
Have you tried to return it on Amazon due to defects? Amazon is good with returns.
I agree with one flock being the best.
 
Oh yes, definitely returning, just trying to decide what to do next :)
Possibly return for a replacement? If it is the same with defects, return right away, while you're thinking of plan B.
A warm climate open air coop, protected with HC is nice. Maybe a tarp for one side depending on if there is a windy storm.
Enjoy the chickens!
 
Hi! I started with a traditional coop with access to a run wrapped with hardware cloth. I just expanded the run and added an open air coop with 3 walls on the opposite side of the run as the traditional coop. I did this 1. Because chicken math... needed more room. And 2. I noticed even with lots of ventilation in the traditional coop, it was just so hot. I think an open air coop is a great idea. Make sure they have a roof and a wind block.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom