Multiple coops owners ...

[adstowe]

I have 2 coops that share one run (Although I free range most days). I use the smaller coop for new chicks, with wire mesh separating them from the big girls. Then when they are larger I remove the mesh and the young ones continue to use the smaller coop (on their own) until they eventually migrate over to the larger coop. Then, even though they are all integrated at that point, one or two birds will occasionally decide to sleep in the smaller coop. Maybe they are having an "off day" and just want to be left alone. Maybe there was a shift in the pecking order and they are unsure of where they stand. I don't know, but I like that they have a place where they can go to get away. Some of the birds prefer the nesting boxes in the small coop and some the ones in the larger. It gives them options.