Cheapest base under coop?

[Cryss]

Before I start slamming pallets together to start a floor I need to put down a base, like concrete blocks, right? It will need to level out a bit of slope. Is block the cheapest thing to use? There are so many kinds of block. I'm trying to do this as close to free as possible. I know it won't be free but i want to be as close as I can without seriously compromising safety.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Use concrete blocks. I just placed mine directly on the ground but the pallets are treated.

 

[21hens-incharge]

How much of a slope?
How big of a coop?
Are you wanting the blocks to block things from digging in?

 

[Cryss]

Use concrete blocks. I just placed mine directly on the ground but the pallets are treated.

I have avoided treated pallets for fear of poisoning my birds.

How much of a slope?
How big of a coop?
Are you wanting the blocks to block things from digging in?

I have no idea how to measure a slope. The coop is planned to be about 8x12. I will be spreading a 1/2 inch hardware cloth apron around the base and also enclosing the base with it. That's where I am hoping the majority of my "budget" is spent.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I have avoided treated pallets for fear of poisoning my birds.


I have no idea how to measure a slope. The coop is planned to be about 8x12. I will be spreading a 1/2 inch hardware cloth apron around the base and also enclosing the base with it. That's where I am hoping the majority of my "budget" is spent.

Been fine for ten years here. Pallets are under floorboards so it’s covered.

 

[SomeChickinTN]

Mine is on a slope too. The pallet floor is sitting on flat rocks on the ground on one side, and the other side has legs that are elevated. I don't know what they are called, but there are concrete blocks meant to go under porch posts that we put the legs on. And they are pretty cheap. And the pallet floor is covered with plywood inside.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You're going bigger than I thought!

So you will have a floor from pallets in coop?

I used more of a standard framing like a shed floor would have on my coop.......
I used the deck blocks shown in this link......
https://blog.homedepot.com/tips-and-ideas-on-how-to-build-a-floating-deck/

To level pavers you would need lots of sand and a frame since you will likely be bringing one side up rather than digging one side down.

Your 8x12 will be very close in size to my 8x14. It may be cheaper to build a base frame and use deck blocks than to level for pavers under the whole thing.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I have no idea how to measure a slope.

You just need a level, a tape measure, a wood stake, and some twine...
something like this:

Source:
https://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-How-to-Measure-Slope-s/6669.htm

 

[Cryss]

You're going bigger than I thought!

I'm planning (dreaming) to use 8x8 for the chickens and 8x4 for storing feed, bedding, and other chicken related things. Our area allows a building without a permit as long as it is less than 100sqft. so I'm going to try to squeeze ever bit I can.

So you will have a floor from pallets in coop?

I'm planning (dreaming) of making the entire coop of pallets and then covering it with either plywood sheets or disassembled boards from pallets. The floor pallets will probably be covered with plywood.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I'm planning (dreaming) to use 8x8 for the chickens and 8x4 for storing feed, bedding, and other chicken related things. Our area allows a building without a permit as long as it is less than 100sqft. so I'm going to try to squeeze ever bit I can.

I'm planning (dreaming) of making the entire coop of pallets and then covering it with either plywood sheets or disassembled boards from pallets. The floor pallets will probably be covered with plywood.

Check craigslist for people selling sheds that you could modify to fit your needs. Also look for pavers or cinder blocks on Craigslist.