Can I use two smaller coops instead of making one big one?

[Karen Glatz]

As my chicks get bigger, I don't think my coop is going to be big enough. Instead of getting rid of the smaller coop and making a bigger one could I just add another coop the same size and let the girls split between the two?

Would this cause troubles within the flock?

I had 6 average sized hens in this coop and they fit nicely with spare roost space. A dog killed them all and I started over, but now I have 10 chicks half of them larger breeds and they are looking like they might be crowded at full size. If I need more space it would be much cheaper to make another coop the same size and let them split up.

The coop I have is a rubbermaid lawnmower shed (half height with a roof that opens up and two front doors that open out). I modified it with roosts, plastic fence under the roof so I can open the top part way in the summer, a pop door and a window. It's easy to clean, insulated and has worked well for 3 years. They are free range during the day and only sleep there. They also have a tarped 4x8 hoop house with 3 nest boxes and hanging feeder that they are in and out of during the day.

We are in Oregon so it's zone 8.5. Hot and dry in summer and barely freezing at night in the winter.

 

[Acre4Me]

If what you have is working well, then keep with it. Add one more like what you have and see how they respond. Plenty of others on BYC use a few smaller coops rather than one larger one bc that is within budget, time or space constraints.
If they are still crowded, but not using the new place, then you might have to lock some in there at night so they roost and get used to the new place. Chickens love what they know and a routine, so adding a new sleeping spot may take them awhile to adjust.

Good luck!

 

[DobieLover]

As my chicks get bigger, I don't think my coop is going to be big enough. Instead of getting rid of the smaller coop and making a bigger one could I just add another coop the same size and let the girls split between the two?

Would this cause troubles within the flock?

I had 6 average sized hens in this coop and they fit nicely with spare roost space. A dog killed them all and I started over, but now I have 10 chicks half of them larger breeds and they are looking like they might be crowded at full size. If I need more space it would be much cheaper to make another coop the same size and let them split up.

The coop I have is a rubbermaid lawnmower shed (half height with a roof that opens up and two front doors that open out). I modified it with roosts, plastic fence under the roof so I can open the top part way in the summer, a pop door and a window. It's easy to clean, insulated and has worked well for 3 years. They are free range during the day and only sleep there. They also have a tarped 4x8 hoop house with 3 nest boxes and hanging feeder that they are in and out of during the day.

We are in Oregon so it's zone 8.5. Hot and dry in summer and barely freezing at night in the winter.

When I introduced 3 new pullets to a flock of same aged 8 pullets and 1 cockerel, there were two coops. During the 'look don't touch' phase everyone got accustomed to the new comers. Then the newcomers were allowed out to range with the originals. Everyone returned to their respective coops nightly. Until the 7th night when the newcomers joined the main flock in their larger coop.
Flocks like to "flock together" and that includes roosting time. I think they'd prefer one larger coop. Especially if they are already in one flock.
When others use multiple coops, they have multiple pre-established flocks.