Will multiple coops in one run get used?

[BoCRon]

My fenced and covered run is 10x20. I bought a Snaplock coop and have it in there with my 2 grown hens. My plan was for 6-8 hens total which based on now having the Snaplock would be fine. But of course chicken math has failed me, but not totally my fault lol. I work at TSC and being a softie I have brought home a few chicks that were struggling. So it looks like if all survive I will have more like 10-12 hens. Way too many for the Snaplock. I would love another Snaplock, but the one I got was a clearance item for $229 as it needed some repair. They usually cost around $700 so that’s a no go. I was considering finding another small, affordable coop to add to my existing run in hopes the girls will split up and make use of both. Is this a doable plan?

 

[azygous]

It's doable, but you will need to lead the way to the new coop. Chickens are tricky and we have to be tricky to get them steered in the direction we want them.

First of all, those chicks brooded together should be kept together. Just as with people, it's easier to get them to go along with change if you manage to get a group of friends all on the same page. Close them up in the new coop for a day, and that will imprint the coop on their brains. You may need to steer them inside for a couple nights and close the coop door to keep them there, but they will catch on quickly.

The only time I've had a chicken choose to start sleeping in a different coop is when she's bullied by a chicken in her first coop. You could expect that to happen with a single individual, but mostly chickens stick with their buddies.

 

[aart]

hopes the girls will split up and make use of both.

You can hope, but might need to split run.