coop size too small or too big which is better

[Patti3chics]

Hi there- I am VERY new to this and I'm wondering if it is better to have a coop that is a litte to small then too large. I have 3 BR and they are doing very well but I'm thinking the coop is too small 6 ft2. (not including the nesting boxes -2-they use one) area below is 8 ft2- plus good size run. It gets very cold in the winter ( can get to -30 some times I live in cental Allberta, canada )and I have a heating pad for this. I was thinking of adding an extra foot on top. Thanks for help!

 

[Celeste Cannon]

Sounds like you have a good setup, are you thinking of buying more chickens in the future? In that case i'd up the size, but if not you sound good!

 

[DobieLover]

Hi there- I am VERY new to this and I'm wondering if it is better to have a coop that is a litte to small then too large. I have 3 BR and they are doing very well but I'm thinking the coop is too small 6 ft2. (not including the nesting boxes -2-they use one) area below is 8 ft2- plus good size run. It gets very cold in the winter ( can get to -30 some times I live in cental Allberta, canada )and I have a heating pad for this. I was thinking of adding an extra foot on top. Thanks for help!

A coop can never be too big.
Your coop is too small for 3 LF birds. You'd want a minimum of twice the size you have.

 

[Offshoreorca]

Better to have a coop to big. Small coops can lead to all sorts of problems if there are too many birds. Easier disease transfer, birds, picking on each other, etc.

 

[alwaystj9]

A coop is never too big...most of our flocks seem to grow to fill any available space.
Search posts on "Chicken Math"

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I agree with @DobieLover and the others. A larger coop is more preferable especially in climates that get really cold winters. Regardless of run size there needs to be enough indoor space for them to hang out in extreme weather.

 

[Celeste Cannon]

A coop is never too big...most of our flocks seem to grow to fill any available space.
Search posts on "Chicken Math"

I thought so too, but since OP lives in such a cold area wouldn't too big of a coop leave them cold?

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I thought so too, but since OP lives in such a cold area wouldn't too big of a coop leave them cold?

No.

 

[alwaystj9]

They will huddle up.

 

[sourland]

I thought so too, but since OP lives in such a cold area wouldn't too big of a coop leave them cold?

'Cold' is not generally a problem. Drafts and moisture buildup are.