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

[AinaWGSD]

Are we talking about dog crates (wire, typically used indoors, large might be between 42×28×31 inches and 54×35×45 inche) or like a chain link or welded wire dog kennel/run (usually between 4x8 feet to 14x34 feet)?

A dog crate, even a large one isn't going to hold more than 1 or 2 large fowl chickens, and even then not comfortably. An outdoor dog kennel can be a convenient run set up, especially if reinforced with hardware cloth.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

Are we talking about dog crates (wire, typically used indoors, large might be between 42×28×31 inches and 54×35×45 inche) or like a chain link or welded wire dog kennel/run (usually between 4x8 feet to 14x34 feet)?

A dog crate, even a large one isn't going to hold more than 1 or 2 large fowl chickens, and even then not comfortably. An outdoor dog kennel can be a convenient run set up, especially if reinforced with hardware cloth.

Outdoor kennel (6 feet high)

 

[ChaosMom]

Oh yes, definitely returning, just trying to decide what to do next

A hoop house might be very useful in your situation, especially because they’re so expandable.

Just one example: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/permanent-hoop-coop-guide.47818/

 

[fat brown hen]

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.

Oddly, I have the opposite experience. In a big flock, the wimpiest hen has 11 sisters bullying her; whereas in a small flock, she can only be hassled by three others. I have some really mean hens, though.

That said, even though I have three coops, everyone insists on going into the same one to roost. During the day they will go to different coops to eat and nest, which helps reduce fighting.

TL;DR: You may appreciate the flexibility of multiple coops if you plan on keeping diverse breeds and ages.

 

[Clifton Moberg]

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?

most crates have sides that can fold down, open up a common side of each and tie these together making a pass through zone. If have bottom trays, point in opposite directions to the outside, for removal.