Splitting the Flock

[fuzzi]

So...I have a stable flock of eleven bantams in a 16' hoop coop. Two cockerels that get along (8 and 7 months old) 6 hens, and 3 pullets.

However, I am thinking about building another hoop coop (Chicken Math!) for when I want to breed the Speckled Sussex so I don't get Dominique cross chicks and I can use the better looking rooster. I tried marking vents this year, but that resulted in 4 Sussex and one cute mix.

Have any of you split your flocks so they had totally separate runs? Any regrets, issues? Would two runs close to each other work?

I'd keep the dominant cockerel and best of the hens in the original structure, but move the second cockerel and the Dominique hens to a new hoop coop.

Current setup

 

[aart]

If you want guaranteed pure bred birds, best to keep the breeds totally separated physically.

This is more of a management issue than a coop issue.

 

[fuzzi]

If you want guaranteed pure bred birds, best to keep the breeds totally separated physically.

This is more of a management issue than a coop issue.

True, but I figured it was also about having two coops next to each other, was looking for what others did.

I suppose this might get more suggestions if it were moved to the management forum.

Thank you for your input.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I have 2 separate flocks, with an additional bachelor coop for my breeders. All 3 have separate coops and runs. 2 of the runs are adjacent but are blocked line of sight where they meet.
Right now my runs are winterized for snow/wind here in Michigan so that's line of sight blocking when I free range.

In the spring I put up a secondary fence roughly a foot away from the runs. This helps keep the boys away from each other as one has already lost a spur caught in the HC.

 

[fuzzi]

I have 2 separate flocks, with an additional bachelor coop for my breeders. All 3 have separate coops and runs. 2 of the runs are adjacent but are blocked line of sight where they meet.
Right now my runs are winterized for snow/wind here in Michigan so that's line of sight blocking when I free range.

In the spring I put up a secondary fence roughly a foot away from the runs. This helps keep the boys away from each other as one has already lost a spur caught in the HC.

That's helpful!

I'm seeing if this thread can be moved to Management, but appreciate you answering so quickly.

 

[aart]

I'm seeing if this thread can be moved to Management, but appreciate you answering so quickly.

I got confirmation of my report to move it there, but it hasn't been done<shrugs>.

 

[fuzzi]

Thanks to whoever moved this!

 

[wrathsfarm]

Do you free range?

I free range both of my flocks 1/2 day, everyday. My mixed flock goes out in the a.m. and they for the most part are pretty good about congregating towards the run at the time I switch flocks out without a lot of herding on my 1.5 acres.
I've read of others that free range multiples all day every other day so that's an option also to think on if you do free range.

ETA... I would like to fence in 2 areas to free range both flocks all day. That would be ideal but haven't done it yet.

 

[fuzzi]

Do you free range?

I free range both of my flocks 1/2 day, everyday. My mixed flock goes out in the a.m. and they for the most part are pretty good about congregating towards the run at the time I switch flocks out without a lot of herding on my 1.5 acres.
I've read of others that free range multiples all day every other day so that's an option also to think on if you do free range.

ETA... I would like to fence in 2 areas to free range both flocks all day. That would be ideal but haven't done it yet.

I do not free range, too many predators.