Coop Design Questions

[AmyQ]

We currently have 5 chickens (about 3 months old) in an old custom-made wooden playhouse we've "converted" to a coop. We have a pen we place them in during the day but as of yet haven't renovated the coop much (besides adding roosts) so they are not connected and we have to go out and put them in the pen and then go out and gather them into the coop.

It might help to note the breeds: (1 of each) Mille Fleur, Barred Rock, Red Star, Gold-Laced Wyandotte and Ameraucana (sp?)

We want to raise the coop off the ground but not too far that they are afraid to go down the ramp. Since we have a Bantam, we want to make sure she's OK with the ramp height. What would you suggest?

Would you suggest placing the nesting boxes off the ground or on the ground? I've seen both on here but wasn't sure of the advantages/disadvantages of each. Also - would you put them in now or wait until closer to egg-laying time (we've received mixed advice on this)?

What size door would you install for the chickens to go into their pen? I've seen 12 x 14, 13 x 15, etc...I want to be sure it will easily fit out largest chicken and make them comfy...

Thanks so much for all your advice - I love this site!!

 

[darkmatter]

Why raise the Coop off the ground? See my BYC page for pics of my setup that has been in use nearly twenty years. An Urban friend of mine had a raised coop----first cold spell of the winter killed his chickens. Here's a winter shot of mine:

 

[AmyQ]

honestly - now that you ask that, i have no reason why we would raise it...it just seemed to be that all of the coops i've seen were raised...but it does make more sense for insulation purposes to not have it raised...we're in NJ so it does get cold here...

 

[Sinfonian]

We're in Seattle so it's not cold here either. We built above ground to have a mini-run below it since it rains here, hehe. Plans and pics are on my blog.

Our door is in floor so it's 11x15 if that helps. Good luck!

 

[CupOJoe42]

My coop is going to be raised to help protect against predators and mice. There will be run area underneath and on both sides as well. I will sandwich hardware cloth under the floor and may insulate the floor as well - not sure yet.

 

[JackE]

Getting the coop up off the ground makes it harder for vermin (Rats) to take up residence under it. A coop sitting down on the ground invites them to set up housekeeping unseen, untill they start chewing holes through the coop's floor. Raise the coop. My pop door is 12"X14", That seemed to work fine for my birds. I have my nest boxes setting on the floor, maybe a 6" hop for the hen to get in. You can mount the boxes up off the floor, but make sure they are lower than your roosts. Otherwise, the chickens may roost in the boxes and make a crappy mess in them. They, the chickens usually like to roost at the highest point in the coop.
Jack

 

[ECBW]

Quote:
As a fellow Jerseyan, mine is raised on masonry to keep the wood from sitting directly on soil which can lead to rot. Also, my small coop is a reach-in and the elevation helps. Insulation is not necessary as long as the coop is tight with proper ventilation. My nests are in the coop and 15 inches off the floor to maximize the floor space. The pop door is 9wx12h.