Coop height and varmits

[amanda1]

Hi, we are getting ready to move our coop and build a new run. Our coop is 10 ' x 6' . I was hoping to have it raised a bit so the chickens could get under it inside their run to protect them from sun and bad weather. My husband said critters could get under it and live. If it's enclosed in the run, I'm not sure how that would happen. I do realize if I need to close them in early or get a sick one it could make things difficult if they are under the coop. I'd like to hear what you all think. Is it worth it to let them under, or am I just asking for problems?

 

[aart]

A raised coop can have advantages, shade and cover from rain for the birds.
But it does need to be raised a good bit, at least 2' IMO,
for keeper to be able to get under there and retrieve a sick or stubbornly laying under there bird,
and to make it less cozy for rodents to take up residence.

My coop is in a large (16'x16')raised shed, 24-30" high.
I have 2 runs coming off shed and both have part of underneath coop fenced off about 4 feet back,
less distance to crawl if needed.

 

[Percheron chick]

Is the coop construction sufficient (floor joists) to support being raised? Are you able to walk in the coop?

 

[amanda1]

I decided to not let them under, raising it that high makes the door height too high for easy access. I was also afraid someone may get stuck under there and I didn't want to be the one crawling on my belly to,get them out.