One of the challenges I'm having designing my coop/run is that I'm planning to move slowly and keep a fairly small flock. My city only allows six hens at a time, and I'd like to ensure I have the space for younger birds periodically, so I'd only be starting with 2-3 this coming year, then add another 1-2 after a year or two, etc. (Note: I'm being an optimist and assuming about an 8 year lifespan on my hens; random death/loss will be factored in as needed once the theoretical chickens start being actual chickens.)
While it seems like chickens don't object to more room than is necessary -- I'm really hoping to stay close to that 4' sq coop/10' sq run ideal if I can! -- I worry about a duo or trio being able to keep their coop warm enough in a coop made for six during a Missouri winter. I don't want my future hens to be chickensicles! On the other hand, building a coop cozy enough for two or three now will mean a rebuild or renovation further on down the line.
Anybody have experience or advice with how to manage this kind of thing? My inclination is to build a smaller coop -- 3'x4' with either a 4'x6' or 4'x8' run -- for the initial 2-3 and then expand it in 2-4 years when I get closer to the 6 chicken mark, but there's definitely a part of me that grits its teeth at what feels uncomfortably like planned obsolescence.
Thoughts? Experiences? Good ideas?
While it seems like chickens don't object to more room than is necessary -- I'm really hoping to stay close to that 4' sq coop/10' sq run ideal if I can! -- I worry about a duo or trio being able to keep their coop warm enough in a coop made for six during a Missouri winter. I don't want my future hens to be chickensicles! On the other hand, building a coop cozy enough for two or three now will mean a rebuild or renovation further on down the line.
Anybody have experience or advice with how to manage this kind of thing? My inclination is to build a smaller coop -- 3'x4' with either a 4'x6' or 4'x8' run -- for the initial 2-3 and then expand it in 2-4 years when I get closer to the 6 chicken mark, but there's definitely a part of me that grits its teeth at what feels uncomfortably like planned obsolescence.
Thoughts? Experiences? Good ideas?