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

[Birdsong 82]

Making it taller would be helpful for ventilation. Also it avoids the cost of buying a new one if you don’t really need to and if they’re happy with their current one But again there is no such thing as too big They would love a 5 x 8. Chickens will huddle together in their body heat will keep them warm.

 

[BantyChooks]

I have never had as few as three chickens, but I have a climate similar to yours (colder, probably) and I've found that more space is better for overwintering, at least with my numbers. I had 13 birds (some bantam) in a 12 x 14 coop once and they were thrilled to have that much space. There was only one case of frostbite, which was due to a cockerel snatching a drink before bed on a night with a low of -40. Froze his wattles clean off. I imagine they would be fine, as long as they're out of the wind.

Edit: I had a pen of four birds once that I'd forgotten about. They did just fine in an 8 x 6 over winter.

 

[Cryss]

I have almost that same coop. Its the same TSC coop but the nesting area doesn't overhang, its inside. I need bigger because of chicken math. I am in the process of modifying this coop for winter since I can't build or buy a new one. I'm in New Jersey. Check out what I've done so far in my thread "Altering my terrible TS coop ". My son in law also mentioned last night he could install a vent on the roof itself. Not sure how that works but thats a possible option. Maybe he can show me a picture of one that I could share. I'll look into that.
Nice set up btw.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I have almost that same coop. Its the same TSC coop but the nesting area doesn't overhang, its inside. I need bigger because of chicken math. I am in the process of modifying this coop for winter since I can't build or buy a new one. I'm in New Jersey. Check out what I've done so far in my thread "Altering my terrible TS coop ". My son in law also mentioned last night he could install a vent on the roof itself. Not sure how that works but thats a possible option. Maybe he can show me a picture of one that I could share. I'll look into that.

Nice set up btw.

My coop is not from tsc, it was hand made, very sturdy. You can't see it in the picture..its attached at the back if the pen on right..pen my husband built pen on left is tsc crap but size is great and hubby built me a "chunnel" to connect them

 

[BantyChooks]

My coop is not from tsc, it was hand made, very sturdy. You can't see it in the picture..its attached at the back if the pen on right..pen my husband built pen on left is tsc crap but size is great and hubby built me a "chunnel" to connect them

It's very cute! That's a great winter setup.

 

[Melky]

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
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Can you direct us how you made snap on vinyl barriers? Where did you get your materials? I’m trying to decide what I need for winter. Right now I just have a weather tarp for snow. Debating changing floor bedding straw versus dirt for warmth etc. I have a small unheated house as well. They are cold hardy birds but worried about frostbite as others have experienced it.

 

[snow5164]

I used a big shed for my coop, contrary to what’s been said I think a coop can be unnecessarily large.

I divided my shed into 4 , boxed in 8 foot by 8 foot coops , and a storage area. With so few birds you could build a huddle box , a 3 sided shelter on the roosting bars so the can get warm.

Also if you divide it up you can house different ages of birds, have space for sick birds or rotten roosters on time outs.

Good luck with your planing

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I used a big shed for my coop, contrary to what’s been said I think a coop can be unnecessarily large.

I divided my shed into 4 , boxed in 8 foot by 8 foot coops , and a storage area. With so few birds you could build a huddle box , a 3 sided shelter on the roosting bars so the can get warm.

Also if you divide it up you can house different ages of birds, have space for sick birds or rotten roosters on time outs.

Good luck with your planing

Can't have a rooster and wouldn't want one if I could lol..i have had 3 hens for over a year with no additions. Possibly adding a pair next spring so dividing may be useful then. I love my girls. They are awesome with my dogs and live very peacefully together. I also love my yard and have many garden areas that I bust my butt on and keeping 3 out of them is manageable which is why I haven't felt the need to add any

 

[snow5164]

rnpaulie69 you sound very level headed and you know what you want , good for you that is rare these days .

I’d make one wall so when you walk into the coop there’s a door into the coop , great for keeping it warm and save some space for feed, meds and poop buckets

You don’t need a rooster , never get one then. A flock at peace with each other and you is a gift not to be taken for granted ! Have fun planning

 

[RNPAULIE69]

Can you direct us how you made snap on vinyl barriers? Where did you get your materials? I’m trying to decide what I need for winter. Right now I just have a weather tarp for snow. Debating changing floor bedding straw versus dirt for warmth etc. I have a small unheated house as well. They are cold hardy birds but worried about frostbite as others have experienced it.

I bought marine grade vinyl, cut pieces to fit 80% of pen panels( left half a foot open toward roof) ..lined edges with gaffing tape then used the marine snap on screws. I can just pull them off and snap them on when needed. Word of advice.I tried to make them snug against panels and in really cold weather it shrinks a bit which makes lining them up to snap a pain..have to pull and stretch it. I am going to move the screws a little closer for

a bit more give