The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Eve on March 22, 2012, 11:21:54 pm

Title: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: Eve on March 22, 2012, 11:21:54 pm

We have a small chicken coop which we used in the past, but are now getting more chickens than will fit in that coop. Could we build an additional small coop and will they happily live ever after in the same run with 2 different coops to choose from, or should we build one large one so that they all sleep in the same place?

All the chickens will be arriving together (they'er ex-batts) and kept as one separate group.

Thanks :chook:

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: princesspiggy on March 23, 2012, 04:45:08 am

we have 2 coops in one paddock and just let them choose.
u dont want overcrowding but u also dont want just one or two in one coop cos in the winter it will be cold. u could feel the warm in our coop this winter with them all cosied up together. if u have a fair few in one coop, ul have to muck it out more often as it can get mucky quickly.
if there isnt enough nest boxes,, ul find them laying in the wrong places, which can mean dirty/stolen eggs (thinking animals stealing em not ur neighbours...lol)
 :D

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: jaykay on March 23, 2012, 06:57:58 am

I have several coops too - partly because I like to separate my different breeds in the spring to breed true, but the rest of the year it gives them a choice and they can get away from someone they don't like  :D

Cleaning out is swings and roundabouts, you have to do them less often but it's a pain when you do clean out cos there's several coops.....

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: smallholder in the city on March 23, 2012, 03:40:18 pm

We originally had just 2 chickens in their own coop. When we got another 10 we got a second coop because the old coop just wasn't big enough.

The original two (Monica and Rachel) generally use their old coop and the new ones stay in their new coop at night but during the day they go back and forth between the two and when it's really cold Monica and Rachel move in to the new coop with all the others.

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: Fleecewife on March 23, 2012, 04:03:14 pm

I would go for two coops.  When you bring in new hens they tend to fight a bit to establish a pecking order and a fair bit of damage can be done between first light and when you let them out.  By having separate coops the hens can get to know eachother slowly.
We have three hen houses and three cockerels, so the hens choose for themselves where to sleep and who to sleep with  :chook: :chook: :chook:   Sometimes they all try to crowd into one house and sometimes they are evenly spread.

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: Big Light on March 23, 2012, 08:51:49 pm

Two coops, they will establish a pecking order and if you pack too many in your just asking for disease

Title: Re: Is it better for all your chickens to sleep in the same coop?
Post by: Eve on March 23, 2012, 10:24:36 pm

Great, thanks, all, 2 coops it is!

 :wave: