Why do my chickens all cram into one coop to sleep when there is another coop almost empty?

[rod5591]

Pics of the hens at roost

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pics of the hens at roostView attachment 1568174View attachment 1568175

Wow they really did manage to pack in there! I think reducing the flock will help but a bigger coop would still be a great thing to have for overall well being of the birds.

 

[aart]

I count 10 there.

 

[Col1948]

Wow! You definitely need a bigger coop, I had 3 chickens at first and they were in a similar coop to that, I thought it was too small so got a shed and converted it, then got 2 more hens.
It is far better plus easier to clean.

 

[rod5591]

I’ve started a new coop but I fear it is far too big at 10 x 10 for 8birds. I would have to reduce the size of the foundation to 8 x 8 at least. Not looking forward to it since I really struggled to build the foundation I now have. See the attached pic. At the speed I am building, I will probably finish in time for spring.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

BIGGER COOP... what is you climate? those made in china coop are absolute JUNK!

 

[rod5591]

I am in middle Tennessee. You know, I was scornful at first of the Chinese chicken coop but I have to admit, it keeps them dry and sheltered at night, while they sleep, and they go back in the daytime to lay their legs. I think the key is, they only sleep in it, and have much room to freerange from dawn till dusk.

 

[Naser]

I use a big plastic shed, it works great, be sure predators can't dig under it, the higher the better.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Nothing wrong with going 10x10. If you ever decide to add more birds, or even if you want to incorporate some storage into the space, you'll be glad for the extra room.

 

[Col1948]

I agree with rosemary above, you will be glad you did a bigger coop, so by the sounds of it you are going to build the coop from scratch rather then buy a shed which would be quicker and possibly cheaper?