How high off the ground can the coop be?

[webs66]

I am new to the forum this is my first post. We do not have any chickens yet, but would like to get some soon. We are hoping to be able to use our childrens playhouse for the coop. My husband built it propbably 2 years ago now and as they usually do -- the kids don't use it any more. My big concern is it's too high off the ground - it's got to be 10 - 15 feet in the air. Is there any way we could build a stair or ramp system for the chickens to be able to get into it?

 

[Mahonri]

perhaps you could cut the legs off of it?

 

[webs66]

I wish, but that won't work, when he built it he put a front porch on it that he built around a tree. We would have to completely disassemble it to lower it.

 

[wishin4chicken]

I've seen pictures in several poultry books where the coop is easily that far off the ground with a ramp built up to the door. In one book it stated that it was to prevent foxes from entering the coop. Maybe your playhouse would work...!

Found the book:

Keeping Chickens
An Essential Guide to Enjoying and Getting the Best from Chickens
by Jeremy Hobson and Celia Lewis

The picture is on pages 64 and 65. Had my husband take a look and he said it's probably 8+ feet off the ground to the floor level.

 

[Gazinga]

well, it may just work, but a pain in teh rear to collect the eggs and clean the coop!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

You know, why not just rip it apart and build a new coop out of the recycled lumber?

It doesn't really make sense to me to try to use a structure that would be difficult for you to clean or spend a lot of time in.

It also seems like it would be better to have it built specifically for the comfort and needs of your birds.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I don't think your chickens would mind. Heck, they like roosting in trees!

How are you going to feel about climbing up there twice a day to open and close their door? Gather eggs? Carry clean water? Carry up food? And of course, scooping out the dirty litter? Does this playhouse come with steps or a ramp for you? I guess a pulley system might help you out, to make a sort of dumb waiter.

You probably need to just think about all this, before you commit to it. Sometimes unusual ideas don't work out and sometimes they just require more planning. I'd put a stuffed chicken up there for 2 weeks and do chores for it. Climb up there twice a day, carry a bucket full of water or feed. See if it's no big deal or if the charm wears off a bit. We'll lend you support, no matter what you decide to do.

 

[Anny]

If you decide the high up coop isn't the best choice you could always use the wood from the fort to build the new coop. If you take apart the fort.

 

[webs66]

I have been corrected by my husband. the playhouse is only 6-8 feet off the ground. There is a stair case with a platform and full size door for us to enter by, and it also has a very nice front porch for us to keep all the supplies on. The more we look at the more we think it may work.

 

[Anny]

I think it sounds like it could work, with the porch and the stairs doesn't sound to bad. Do you have any pictures of it???