Build bigger coop?

[True Patriot]

I'm planning on building a new coop. My question is, I'm going to be starting small 3-4 chickens. But I plan on expanding my flock in the future over say 3 years, to about 12. Would it be better to go ahead and build the bigger size? The winters here are mild and not a problem. The summer is hot and humid. I would think that more space/ ventilation would work, but this is my first attempt. I'll be building a compatible run with it and also allow the chickens out to range on about 1 1/2 acres several times a week. If needed I can put in a temporary divider to block part of the coop.

 

[Tiana's chickens]

Bigger the better I think
Other things to consider are making it predator safe (you could do a concrete floor or big rocks around the coop to prevent predators from digging underneath), which way to face the coop so sun can shine in and where to put it. Our coop was built at the bottom of a hill so when it rains the water washes through it making the bedding wet we didn't think about that happening lol

 

[Dmontgomery]

How much experience do you have with chickens? And how much self control?
We started out with 6 chickens just 4 years ago with absolutely no intention of getting more, at least on my part. By the next year I had to build a new coop because “we” decided to have 16 chickens. Then the next year they ALL went broody and my wife found out you could order them off the Internet. So I had to build another even bigger coop that would hold 70 chickens.
Build as big and safe as you can afford to now. That way if chicken math takes over you are already prepared.

 

[True Patriot]

Bigger the better I think
Other things to consider are making it predator safe (you could do a concrete floor or big rocks around the coop to prevent predators from digging underneath), which way to face the coop so sun can shine in and where to put it. Our coop was built at the bottom of a hill so when it rains the water washes through it making the bedding wet we didn't think about that happening lol

Thanks. For now concrete is out. I don't own the property the coop would be on. The owner is good with a coop but it has to be relocated if they decide they're going to use that area. Ill probably go electric around the lower part to discourage diggers. I also have dogs that wander the yard freely so more deterrent to critters. Out neighbor had chickens and the dogs got along. We let their chickens forage in our yard periodically. I hadn't thought about sun. Thanks for reminding me. And the reason for using the other property is flooding in my yard. Totally don't want to start out with chicken soup

 

[True Patriot]

How much experience do you have with chickens? And how much self control?
We started out with 6 chickens just 4 years ago with absolutely no intention of getting more, at least on my part. By the next year I had to build a new coop because “we” decided to have 16 chickens. Then the next year they ALL went broody and my wife found out you could order them off the Internet. So I had to build another even bigger coop that would hold 70 chickens.
Build as big and safe as you can afford to now. That way if chicken math takes over you are already prepared.

Lol. As far as experience. Just about none. My neighbor had chickens and I would sit for them for vacation etc. For now I'm limited in space and available time so that is going to dictate flock size. If the 4 /10 sq ft guide is right the most I can do is 12. If I get more property and practice then we'll just have to see where chicken math goes.

 

[Tiana's chickens]

Thanks. For now concrete is out. I don't own the property the coop would be on. The owner is good with a coop but it has to be relocated if they decide they're going to use that area. Ill probably go electric around the lower part to discourage diggers. I also have dogs that wander the yard freely so more deterrent to critters. Out neighbor had chickens and the dogs got along. We let their chickens forage in our yard periodically. I hadn't thought about sun. Thanks for reminding me. And the reason for using the other property is flooding in my yard. Totally don't want to start out with chicken soup

Dogs are fantastic at deterring pedators, we have 2 dogs as well

 

[Tiana's chickens]

Lol. As far as experience. Just about none. My neighbor had chickens and I would sit for them for vacation etc. For now I'm limited in space and available time so that is going to dictate flock size. If the 4 /10 sq ft guide is right the most I can do is 12. If I get more property and practice then we'll just have to see where chicken math goes.

If they free range all day then I think it's okay to have a couple more chooks in the coop at night, just add a few extra perches so they all fit comfortably. If they were spending their whole lives in just the coop then you want to be very careful not to over crowd it but you have a good amount of land for them to roam on so I wouldn't worry so much

 

[aart]

Would it be better to go ahead and build the bigger size?

Yes, absolutely!