Multiple coops in the property - if I let them free range, will they keep their coops/flock-structures??

[Kaurana]

Hi everyone! We have one coop/flock of 20 chickens with a nice run (probably about 30'x40') We would like to add another coop (+20 new chickens!) to the property!

We have a few options to consider and I would like some opinions, please.

1. We can have another fully independent coop and run for the new flock. For ease of management/feeding, I would like them close to each other, however, we do not vaccinate our chickens... should I, instead, have them far from each other from a safety perspective in terms of diseases/pests?

2. We can have the new coop dedicated to the new flock positioned next to our current coop and increase the run (both would be within a large big, shared run) - here is one of my questions: if I do this, will my current flock continue as an "unity" and go back to THEIR coop (and the new flock to THEIR SEPARATE COOP), or will it become a chaotic run around every night when they will keep "hopping" from coop to coop!?

3. Similarly, ideally, I would like each flock to have a dedicated coop & big run, but I ultimately planned on having them free-range the property: again, will they get into battles and confusion, or would each flock return to their respective coops (in separate runs) at the end of the day!? (Would roosters try to "steal" hens from the other's flock and get into battles!?)

I guess the question is: are they pretty much flock-faithful and/or coop-bonded!?? Or will they be "opportunistic" and try to get into the best perching space/food, etc if that is in the other coop!?

Additional details that may or may not matter for this:
- we have one rooster for every 8-10 girls (currently 18 girls and 2 roosters)
- I have one established flock (they are all about 10 months old) and the new flock will be made up of 14 (or more) chickens that will be under 6 months old (they are currently between 2w-6weeks old.)

Any tips/suggestions appreciated!
Thank you,
Thais

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have two separate flocks. A bantam and a standard. Everyone goes back to their own coops. There is some that go into the others flocks coop at times to lay or eat. Sometimes roosters try to mate hens from the other flock. Sometimes there 're a few fights.

As long as there's plenty of room it should work out for the most part. It has for me at least.

 

[Kaurana]

Oh that is good news! (Thank you!!) I would love to have everyone out exploring during the day - we have such a nice property - and back "home" for bed without issues...!!!

I am assuming I have to keep the second flock "locked in" for a while so they bond to THEIR coop, right!?

 

[Alaskan]

Oh that is good news! (Thank you!!) I would love to have everyone out exploring during the day - we have such a nice property - and back "home" for bed without issues...!!!

I am assuming I have to keep the second flock "locked in" for a while so they bond to THEIR coop, right!?

I would think for a few weeks they should be "locked in", and then maybe for a month alternate which group gets to free range.

Some chickens take a bit to learn that they have to go home in the evening. With one flock out, you can stand at their coop, and call them while you toss some scratch. Then, no herding or catching is needed... everyone is home safe for the night.

But you could NOT do that with more than one flock out at once.

Which is why I suggest moving slow...making sure they all know what they are doing, and where home is.