Can a coop be too big?

[pati-o]

We are just finishing up our new coop, the old 4x8 coop was too small. The new one is 8x12. I have 8 Isa Browns and 4 seramas. We have a cement floor, lots of ventilation and light and so far no insulation. I am in Southwest Michigan and was wondering if I've got too much coop for my girls & boys.


my pics: (not sure how to load)
http://picasaweb.google.com/dpsmith08

 

[ncgnance]

There is no such thing as a coop that's too big. Nature abhors a vaccuum, so, if you build it, it WILL fill up with chickens....LOL

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Well if your in Michigan...it gets cold there. Did you insulate it well? I know part of keeping a coop warm is chicken's body heat. With a large coop and not so many birds that will be a little harder to do. I would add a heat light...especially for the Seramas! They are from Malaysia and can't handle under 40 degree temps. I made an indoor coop for my Serama for our cold winters.

 

[spook]

Being from Maine, I would suggest you use some cardboard and lower your ceiling on the end you do not need to come into. It then will keep the heat down to their level, making the area you stand in the area you can keep the waterer and feeder. Granted your winters are harsher then ours, I would also recommend the deep litter method and as long as you don't have a draft they should be fine. Also, place a garbage bag, clear plastic or what ever over the top 1/3 of the doorway to prevent heat from escaping when you open the door. Good luck and probably the chickens would do just great without the cardboard ceiling, but it helps quite a bit.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
No, your coop isn't too big. If it looks too roomy, get more chickens.

 

[patandchickens]

There is absolutely never such a thing as too big a coop, not even in the coldest climates.

If you find yourself with a small number of chickens rattling around in a huge space in midwinter and they are not able to keep it warm enough, all you have to do is partition off a smaller area for them as the 'keep warm, roosting area'. Ta da, problem solved.

So, build away

Pat

 

[Anny]

Hi fellow Michigander

I don't think it can be to big, if the chickens get cold they huddle in one spot. Plus the bigger the coop the more chickens you can add later

 

[Ladysonja]

Quote:
Not at all! We have a 8x12 coop and I love it! I can walk around in it and my husband has plans to add as many chickens as possible... We are going to have laying birds and meat birds. It was converted from an old tool shed.

Plus our run will be 12 x 15 foot. My husband says that he wants enough out/in door room for all the girls and roos in our flock.

We worry more about our weather in the summer than the winter... But it is so well build, the coop is cooler than the outdoor tempatures in mid summer!

The coop picture is great! Good luck this winter... from what I have read, everyone has offered excellent advice.