hen houses and coops

[tryingmyluck]

what is the difference between a raised hen house or one that sets on the ground i have seen them both ways

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I personally prefer a coop that I can walk into and is on the ground. I had a raised coop early on with chicken keeping and found it difficult to clean, they do not hold the heat in as well versus being on the ground. Predators can't dig under a raised coop, but can when they are on the ground. Coops on the ground can be much larger than raised coops. I like to use sand in my coop and raised coops usually don't have a heavy enough floor to support the weight of sand.

So there are good points and negative points about both if them. I love my grounded coop. A lot of this decision is personal preference I think.

Great to have you aboard and welcome to our flock!

 

[tryingmyluck]

thank you for the info me i would prefer one thats sits on the ground not only for what you said above and it would be alot easier to add on as my flock grows my next question for you is being on the ground does have to have a floor or can i use sand or hay instead

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! People do both, many people who do the deep litter method use a dirt floor and sand is really popular, the main thing if not using a solid floor is to be sure you predator proof against digging predators, will need to sink wire/ railroad ties etc a foot or two in the ground... and need to really watch drainage/where you place the coop so it stays dry.

 

[drumstick diva]

If you live in a very rainy area that flood often - you wouldn't probably be better off with a raised coop. Another advantage is rats can't dig a tunnel under it - up through the floor to kill your birds/steal eggs. Being above ground you can see what's going on.

Some people like a raised coop when they have limited space. They fence in the area underneath which gives them a shaded area for the chickens to enjoy.

Every type of coop/ tractor etc. has it's own set of pros and cons. You really have to shape something to fit your circumstances and climate/location, budget. etc.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[tryingmyluck]

my chicks are going to be free range and im going to build my own coop like you said to my own commindations just trying to get ideas on raised or not raised as far as cilmate im in flordia so i got high humdity and heat as far as budget i do constuction for a living and the cost to by one and for me to build one myself are pretty much the same in price

 

[tryingmyluck]

thank you

 

[gander007]

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC! I personally prefer coops on the ground for the reasons that TwoCrows gave. But there is no perfect coop for every situation and living in Florida you might want to have a raised coop if you have problems with damp ground and high humidity. Good luck with your flock.