how big is too big?

[jshreck]

So I have 4 - three week old barred rocks and we're getting ready to build their coop. I know I will want to double or triple my flock in the coming years but wanted to start off realistic since I very new to chickens as well as very new to rural living. That being said my question is-- do we build a coop suited to the 4 current chickens we have or do we build it bigger? My biggest concern for having a coop too large is losing their body heat as an insulator during our brutal Wisconsin winters. Is this a realistic concern? What might be a happy medium?

 

[JackE]

Build it big with your future flock size in mind. It is waaaaay better for the chickens to be a big building, then one too small. Don't worry about winter, chickens are built to handle cold weather. As long as they have a nice dry, draft free place, they're happy.
Jack

 

[cknkids]

When building for future flock size consider how you could split the house and run for flock integration. We got our first chicks last year and will probably add a few next year. I've started thinking of how to put in temporary dividers to create separate space to allow the girls to grow out and get use to each other.

Also consider a predator proof run, I was surprised last summer before our run was complete, when I had to get someone to lock the girls up for us to go to the county fair.