Coop up off the ground?

[MrsChickendad]

Having both kinds, we would say make sure that a coop on the ground doesn't have enough room for a hen to get under there and go broody. And even a small entryway under the floor will invite rats and mice. We build our coops on skids and drag them to fresh spots with the tractor.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Elevate! For all the reasons noted above. BTW,

 

[rainierlass]

1. Easier to clean (sweep shavings into waiting wheelbarrow).
2. Prevents rodents by eliminating hiding areas.
3. Provides a guaranteed shady spot when it's hot/sunny (chickens have poor heat tolerance).
4. Provides a guaranteed dry area in the run for dust bathing and general chicken activity when it's raining.
5. Floor stays nice and dry when it's raining.

Ditto!​

 

[triggfamily5]

Quote:
I am currently building a 12x16 and I am raising it off the ground for pretty much the same reasons. 3 sides of my underside will also be "skirted". (I can remove and get under if need be)

Mine is open from the run side which will help with having a shady spot, but protection from our WIND and snow.

6. Property is unlevel and runoff from the melting snow and heavy rains can cause a coop on the ground to flood (speaking from experience)

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
Ditto. That's why mine are off of the ground.

 

[birdicus7]

Quote:
I agree completely!

 

[Donner]

Quote:
I am currently building a 12x16 and I am raising it off the ground for pretty much the same reasons. 3 sides of my underside will also be "skirted". (I can remove and get under if need be)

Mine is open from the run side which will help with having a shady spot, but protection from our WIND and snow.

6. Property is unlevel and runoff from the melting snow and heavy rains can cause a coop on the ground to flood (speaking from experience)

Mine is not built yet, but adding to #6, if the property is unlevel you have a choice of leveling a a spot for the coop, or raising it off the ground and making the top of the supports level. Combined with 1-5 that makes off the ground the way to go for me.

 

[Lilacfeather]

Ours is 2 ft off the ground. I like it, because it's a good height for me to reach in, and clean, since I scoop poop every day. It also gives extra shaded, covered outdoor space for the chickens. Plus all the other reasons that other folks gave.

Having said that, if we had a much larger coop, with a lot more birds, I'd probably like one that I could walk into.

 

[kla37]

Quote:
We kind of have the same thing going on but I LOVE the roof that lets in a lot of light on yours!!!

 

[gryeyes]

I had a coop basically on the ground - just 2.5 inches above it - which I thought was clever until I needed to clean it. Not directly on ground, good, but less than 3 inches above it gave rodents a very nice haven.

All the coops I've built or bought since have been elevated. One is 8x4, so it's only elevated the height of concrete blocks, which means I will have to get on my belly and use a rake or stick or something to chase out any chickens who have taken shelter there. However, I've been lucky in that none of the chicks, chickens or bantam chickens have needed to be retrieved from under that coop. They may go under there on really warm days to chill out in the cool dirt beneath it, but always come out to go to their respective coops to roost at night.

Elevate your coop(s).