Coop; on the ground or off?

[bluie]

I think that a raised coop would have no cold issues if you are using the DLM. 4-6 inches of pine shavings on the floor should be really good insulation. I am making a raised coop for several reasons. Space is tight here in the 'burbs, and I want additional run space under mine. I don't want to bend over anymore than necessary so raised is good when cleaning, checking food, water, eggs, etc. Finally, I will be using less building materials by building a raised coop that I don't have to stand up in. My coop will be 4 x 7 (right now if I don't change my mind AGAIN), and will have access from all four sides, so I really don't need to be able to get inside. (and if I do, I will send in my youngest child!) It will have 24" of run space underneath, easy chicken head space under and over the roosts and, at its highest point, will just be a few inches taller that the wooden fence it will be next to and I will put some ventilation there to catch the breeze over the fence. I think it will top out at about 6 3/4 feet tall.