Coop foundation

[NHchickenmom]

Coop will be arriving in a few weeks. I'm trying to dig out a big hole so that I can put in cinder blocks (flat side out) to make the foundation. The question is how deep do I have to dig? I've read 12 inches so I can lay the hardware cloth inside (think I'm also supposed to have the "cloth" hang out 18-24 inches as well). I'm wondering if I have to dig deeper to add a layer of gravel under the blocks. Thanks for your input.

 

[aart]

How big is coop....got pics..of coop and where it will go?
Will coop be elevated or at ground level?

 

[NHchickenmom]

The coop is elevated with run space under and next to it. I believe it will be 5x10 feet total footprint

 

[aart]

Do you have pics of coop...and exact dimensions?
Pretty hard to build a foundation without knowing size needed.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

@blackdog043 ....is it you that has apron on raised coop?

 

[NHchickenmom]

Thanks! Those were helpful to learn about the wire apron. Now I need some insight for how much or not of gravel to use under cinder blocks. I need the blocks because we are putting the coop in an area which has a slope so we need things leveled out.

 

[aart]

Thanks! Those were helpful to learn about the wire apron. Now I need some insight for how much or not of gravel to use under cinder blocks. I need the blocks because we are putting the coop in an area which has a slope so we need things leveled out.

Might be better to use posts, sunk deep to defy the frost heave there(I assume you are in New Hampshire from your screen name)

 

[NHchickenmom]

Can you explain? Do you mean lay 4x4 posts down level in the ground instead of using cinder blocks. I can see how this could be good so you have something to screw the hardware cloth into.

 

[aart]

Can you explain? Do you mean lay 4x4 posts down level in the ground instead of using cinder blocks.

I mean posts buried vertically to below your frost line,
and above ground as far as you want coop raised,
then attach framework for coop to set on to posts.

 

[NHchickenmom]

Ok, now I understand about the posts. I'm getting the backyard coop from Urban Coop Company. I think the coop is sort of low so building a frame buried 2 ft down and additional 2ft above ground would be nice. I have put posts in for raspberry vines before so I can handle vertical posts. I'm nervous about getting them all level with each other though. Any suggestions? I think I would also need to put a vertical post across the top to support the coop that's coming. If I build this "pen" to place the coop on (with hardware cloth around and as apron), how I am I going to get in to clean? One other note: we have had a lot of rain and I can see I'm going to need ideas for drainage so I don't get muddy chickens.

 

[aart]

I'm getting the backyard coop from Urban Coop Company.

This one?
https://urbancoopcompany.com/product/round-top-backyard-chicken-coop/#package-essentials

I'm nervous about getting them all level with each other though. Any suggestions?

Water level is what I use...long clear tube filled with colored water and a couple of rubber stoppers for the ends.

I think I would also need to put a vertical post across the top to support the coop that's coming.

Do you mean horizontal?

If I build this "pen" to place the coop on (with hardware cloth around and as apron), how I am I going to get in to clean?

Good question and an important design consideration.

One other note: we have had a lot of rain and I can see I'm going to need ideas for drainage so I don't get muddy chickens.

Another important design consideration, need to choose site carefully and work with drainage to keep run off form roofs and ground out of the chicken run...also run bedding choice can help here.