Do I need 2 coops? Or just a larger coop?

[Matilda Belle]

I've officially joined the victims of chicken math yesterday, so now I need help deciding on what to do. I can either buy another small coop to add in addition to the one I currently have; or I can part with the one I have and buy a larger coop to fit all of my chickens. What would you do? Do you think I should have two separate coops in case there is fighting/issues?

I currently have 24 square feet and 9 silkies.

 

[PetesChicks]

You can never have too much room or too many coops. I’d say keep the one you have as a segregation/lockdown coop, and get a new & bigger coop.

 

[azygous]

I agree with @PetesChicks . An extra coop comes in handy to house teenage cockerels or a broody hen who will be raising chicks or juveniles that are trying to grow into the pecking order.

But, I urge you to get a nice roomy coop. Now that you're hopelessly infected with chicken math, you won't be sorry.

 

[townchicks]

I'm with PetesChicks, keep and go bigger. Chicken math is a chronic disease, there will be flareups later,lol.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I'm with PetesChicks, keep and go bigger. Chicken math is a chronic disease, there will be flareups later,lol.

The only cure is more chicken.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I'm just afraid if I keep both coops, I will use that as an excuse to get more chickens. I'm starting to understand this disorder.

 

[snow5164]

Silkies don’t need near the room of larger birds... you could go up . Add a ramp and a shelf with a edge on the wall .. I have old crates on their side . Let them take advantage of the whole coop , I have 3 hens and a rooster in a 5x5 coop a 5x5 run and we do put them in the moveable tractor daily on fresh grass. Don’t go overboard they are a small breed

 

[Matilda Belle]

I don't think they need as much room either, but I just want to be safe so I don't have pecking issues. They do all seem to get along so far but I'm sure that can change. At night they just pile up together in a corner and snuggle. It's the cutest thing.

 

[PetesChicks]

I'm just afraid if I keep both coops, I will use that as an excuse to get more chickens. I'm starting to understand this disorder.

That’s the reason to keep both coops, it gives you the reason to get more chickens!

As far as silkies go, I have 2 in my mixed flock. They used to huddle in a corner, then one (the shyest) started roosting with the other girls. Close to a year later, the other one roosts also.

 

[Matilda Belle]

That’s the reason to keep both coops, it gives you the reason to get more chickens!

My husband is already displeased with my lack of control when it comes to chickens. If I get anymore, I'll need that extra coop for myself.