Advantages of coops on stilts?

[dancingchicken77]

ok another newbie question. i was thinking i liked the looks of this coop, looked practical and i liked the area of the run. i live in the suburbs and there will be a limit to the times i am home from work and able to allow the chooks to free range. because of that, i want the chooks to have a run where they have a good area to scratch around and can look out at the world somewhat.

anyway, my question is this: what are the advantages of these coops on stilts? what is the reason for them? here's the pic of the one i saw -

 

[derby]

I *think* it helps reduce the amount of rising damp from the ground. It also provides shelter from the rain and sun, yet still allows them to be outside.

Derby

 

[bdp7150]

helps keep mice and rodents also possible snake out better than on ground level.

 

[derby]

Also --- it seems easier to clean out as I can reach the floor and the litter without having to bend over. When I clean out, I just roll a wheelbarrow under the doorway and sweep the litter out the door and let it drop into the wheelbarrow.

Derby

 

[EweSheep]

Be sure its anchored in the ground because high winds can tip it over. Four rebars with hook on top will suffice (as if you are staking a tent). Better if six stakes. Nothing worst than finding your chickens upside down LOL!

Also you may want to put some hardware wires on the bottom to keep predators OUT! I dont know if patio blocks all around the coop will deter predators out from digging into the coop if you chose to have your chickens on bare floor. My guess if a dog can LIFT those heavy patio blocks away from the bottom, then hardware wire would be the answer. It all depends if you want to risk it or not, its all up to you. Everyone got their own preference how they want to have their loved chickens to have access to.

Light bulb went thru my head.........make a hardware wire skirting on the bottom all around the coop and put patio blocks, two to three rows thick! Or big concrete blocks? What do you guys think?