How Far From the Ground? (and doors)

[Kor]

My first post here. :-D

I don't have chickens and more than likely won't get any until I'm finished with college and have my own suitable place.

But a question I've been mulling over: How high is the bottom of your coop from the ground?

I know only a half a foot to a foot is really needed to prevent rodents and snakes, but considering all of the creatures that can hide under it when the grass is long or the snow is high, would a height of about 3 feet (and steps up to the door) work a bit better?

I'm not really one for the "go out to check on them at night and find something under the house, hissing" factor. Sounds like a horror movie moment waiting to happen....

It also seems like this height would make it easier to mow and trim the plants and give the chickens a cool hangout spot when in the pen (with the front sides blocked off with sturdy wire)....

Also, on this note, does anyone find a window in the door to be useful? Perhaps a glass window with screen on the outside?

Thoughts? (*Coughs* I've been designing the 'perfect chicken coop' ever since we got chickens and I saw what needed to be changed.)

 

[BeckyLa]

Ok, first and foremost:

Now, the coop. I have a converted child's playhouse that's 8x8' that we've raised to about 2' off the ground. The large fenced and netted (over the top because of hawks) run is on the back and the 2 sides and front underneath is securely wired with trellis over it so it looks better. I have stacked concrete blocks for steps to the door. The house came with a window on either side of the people door that we have put hardware cloth over then windows with hinges at the top so I can prop them open for ventilation along with protection from the rain. There is also ventilation inside at the peak of the roof on either side and the chickie pop door out the back. My birds love to cool off in the dirt/sand under the house and they keep away all rodents and problems that might get under there. It works well and they have cover from rain as well as cool shade for summer.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Our coop is going to be 24" off the ground, with exactly what you've said about access under the coop in mind. Although I suspect that mowing under the coop won't be an issue.

As for natural light, my DBF is going to use that clear wavy stuff for the roof. I can't remember what it's called. They'll have access to under the coop for shade as needed.

 

[arlee453]

I have one coop that is about 2.5 ft up off the ground, and another that's about 18".

The ramp on the taller coop was much steeper, obviously, and took the chickens a while to master. But that was just a matter of training them to use it.

I like the raised up coops. Mine have wire bottoms which makes for super easy cleanup, and no bedding required. I wouldn't recommend wire bottoms if your chickens have to stay in the coop for any length of time though on a regular basis (ie, very cold climate, no pen for them to go into)

My guys only go into the coops at night to roost - they are out at first light into their 80x20ft fenced in area.