Coop base

[Yellowcoop1]

I plan on building 8 x 8 coop. I will be using a plywood floor with half-inch or quarter inch hardware cloth stapled to the underside of the plywood. I have plenty of cinderblocks left over from something else and I'm wondering if I simply sit the 8 x 8 shed on top of edges of cinderblocks, will that be a good enough base so it sits just above the earth. I am worried about critters making homes under there, should I be? Has anyone else had that problem.

Also, is it best to completely surround the bottom with the cinderblocks up so no holes are seen. Or should I just put them in the corners and lay the pressure treated 4x4s on them?

I was gonna use 3/4 gravel 3 inch deep but found out it would cost me 90.00 delivered and thought why not use what I already have (free)

Thanks

 

[JackE]

I have my 8X16' coop sitting up on concrete blocks. It's been sitting up there now for close to 5yrs, and I haven't had any problems. It hasn't fell off. I have blocks at each corner, and in the middle, to support the coop. I just dug out the turf, and laid some gravel in the holes, and placed the blocks, and leveled everything.
You are right to want to get the coop up off the ground. It's best to do that so you can easily see what's going on under there. Rodents, and other pests, love to have a nice hidden place, near endless food, to set up homesteading of their own. Don't lay the blocks like a regular house's foundation(Solid block all the way around), because you want to be able to see under there. The chickens will use the space for shade on hot days.

 

[vehve]

I'd build it high enough for larger critters (you) to fit under there if necessary. Is ground frost an issue where you live? If so, take into account that the base can shift if not properly anchored to the ground. Also, think through drainage issues if there's even a slight of heavy downpour or flooding. Easy things to do before building, a nightmare to fix afterwards. Also, you don't want any water staying in the run.

 

[Yellowcoop1]

Thanks JackE and vehve, I just read your posts to my husband and he is okay with using the cinderblocks we already have. No sense in wasting $90.00 if we don't have to.

 

[vehve]

The gravel might be a good idea anyway, if you're placing the coop where water might be an issue. It would help keep things dry. If you provide some additional information about the spot you're going to build on and what kind of construction you have in mind, it would be easier to give you ideas. If the chickens are going to spend a lot of time in a run, the gravel could provide valuable drainage, especially if the run isn't covered, and you get a fair amount of rain in your area. You don't want a muddy run. My experiences are from building in a cold and rainy climate, so my thoughts aren't applicable everywhere.

 

[Yellowcoop1]

My first photo worked, yay!

The area behind the funky trunks in the middle is where the coop will go. The trunks will be inside the run for roosting. The ground consists of excellent drainage due to being a lot of composted materials that the hens will have a great time picking thru. This area has been behind our fence line and for the last 10 years that we have been living here all little sapling have grown (now pulled out) over all rotting logs, grass clippings, leaves, etc. I may throw small rocks under the coop 1-5 inch rocks or so just because I have a lot laying around. Don't think I'll need any in the run except some for aesthetics.

My husband may seal the corner cinders in place with quickcrete and some rebar, he will see what's needed when we dig the holes a little. We may build up a few cinders, again we will see what the ground presents. Just can't wait to get started.