What do you think about 2 coops/2 flocks on one property?

[sweet-T]

I live on 8 acres with plenty of room for more chickens than the 14 I have in one coop. I recently brought 2 more older chicks into my flock (and yes, I quarantined them appropriately) however they did not integrate well with the flock. In fact, one was severely pecked and I have her isolated now. I am afraid to try to put her in with them again...she almost didn't make it (and she no longer has a scalp; they ate it!). Anyhow, my question is- Does it make sense to have a second coop with a new flock? My chickens free range so how would that work? I'm fairly new to this so any help would be great!

 

[BlackBart]

I have three coops/three flocks/two roosters and there isn't a problem.
They all go into the right coop at night.

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

I too have 3 coops. (well 2 coops and a hen house) And I live in a suburbian neighborhood on a small lot. I had the same problem. I have my 4 laying hens and duck in the largest coop. 8 of my silkies are in another coop, and I have 2 matured silkie hens in my hen house. So I don't think it's strange or wierd. But then again, I AM strange and wierd!

 

[sweet-T]

I love your Silkie house!!! I am now inspired to create something with finesse for my second coop. We have lots of materials here at our house and my DH is handy but his work is a bit more, uhm..... crude. (SHhhh, don't tell him I said that)

Really, nice job on your cute coop!

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

We have the layer-house with assorted laying breeds, the bantam tractor which houses my son's 4-H bantams, and the breeder house with the Salmon Faverolles. As far as free ranging, free range them seperately to avoid the others picking on the one. If you give them treats to go in, they will learn quickly to go in when called. Or FR each group every other day, so they can be out all day...

 

[Punk-Rock_Chicken]

Quote:
Thank You!

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

My chicks haven't even moved into their coop yet and I'm already scheming on adding another one.

DH and I were out at Home Depot today and I saw the sweetes little garden shed that would make a perfect "auxiliary" coop as I can already see I will need one.

DH tried to nip it in the bud, saying "NO more chickens!" and I said, Hmm, what if I had said "No more (fill in the blank - he has a number of hobbies that are defined by acquiring things for which we have no room!). He was actually silent for a moment

"We'll see", he said. But I know I've already won the battle

A friend of mine says she sprays both her old and new hens with vanilla before combining flocks. Says that way they all smell the same and acceptance goes smoother.

 

[Mahonri]

I have a coop and a chick pen for my 9 week olds. They go right back into their coop when I let them out an hour before sunset

 

[silkiechicken]

Sure, nothing wrong with multiple coops. I have 4 and each flock goes to their respective coop at night.