Is there such a thing as a coop that's too big?

[RNPAULIE69]

I have a small coop for my 3 girls. It's about 3 1/2 x 4 feet. They seem to like it and never have issues going in or getting along. We had a small frostbite problem last winter and I have been looking into raising the roof on this one or getting a bigger one. I found an A frame shed that was used as a kids play house. It's 5 feet wide and 8 feet deep. 5 feet high. I have not been a victim of "chicken math" and do not intend to add until next year and that may only be two or three girls at most. My concern is will 3 hens generate enough heat to keep themselves warm in a coop with room enough for 10? I live in NH and we get some pretty brutal winter weather. Thanks!

 

[Perris]

if it ain't broke...?

 

[RNPAULIE69]

if it ain't broke...?

My current coop is too short and we had frostbite issue. It's a little broke lol

 

[Birdsong 82]

The weather in Virginia in the winter of course there’s more mild than yours in New Hampshire but my chickens huddle together to keep warm. In my experience the only time I’ve dealt with frostbite even in single digit temps is when there was a moisture issue. Is moisture able to get in there? And what your ventilation like ? And how tall is your current one

 

[True Patriot]

As long as it's dry, and you can block the wind in the winter... No, no such thing as too big. Especially if you live in an area where there's a possibility they will be confined.for extended periods due to inclement weather.

 

[SueT]

Big coop stays clean longer, you'll have happier chickens. They'll love it. Where do you live/how cold does it get? It wouldn't be a problem here with our winters.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

The weather in Virginia in the winter of course there’s more mild than yours in New Hampshire but my chickens huddle together to keep warm. In my experience the only time I’ve dealt with frostbite even in single digit temps is when there was a moisture issue. Is moisture able to get in there? And what your ventilation like ? And how tall is your current one

My current coop is not tall enough, so it's difficult to add more ventilation. I know it's a problem that's why we have to either rip it apart and raise it up or get something taller. My question is whether or not a 5x8 coop would be ok for 3 hens..

 

[jthornton]

Frostbite is caused by poor/no ventilation. Moisture from breathing and pooping needs a way to escape. Moisture laden air rises up because it's lighter than dry air so vents up high allow the moist air to escape.

Modern Fresh Air Poultry House.

Add your location to your profile so it's always there.

JT

 

[RNPAULIE69]

As long as it's dry, and you can block the wind in the winter... No, no such thing as too big. Especially if you live in an area where there's a possibility they will be confined.for extended periods due to inclement weather.

the pen on right is completely covered and left is half covered. Remainder will have roof panels before winter. I also made snap on vinyl barriers for the entire pen on right so they have quite a bit of protected space already

 

[RNPAULIE69]

Frostbite is caused by poor/no ventilation. Moisture from breathing and pooping needs a way to escape. Moisture laden air rises up because it's lighter than dry air so vents up high allow the moist air to escape.

Modern Fresh Air Poultry House.

Add your location to your profile so it's always there.

JT

I realize that, that is why I am looking into new coops or adding height to mine to increase ventilation