How level does the gound need to be?

[jeria]

My coop and run will be on an area that is a slight slope, no totally flat spot up on this river bluff. I do know I need to build the coop and run level and have fence posts holders to assist with that, have hauled in 40+ bags of dirt, am making sure the perimeter of the coop and run are level, have skirting, patio and/or cement blocks, and the wood frame will come down against those patio blocks.

Does the entire area inside the run need to be totally level? I'm planning on a deep litter once they destroy any remaining grass course most will be buried under the hauled in dirt. So adding straw, yard trimmings, weeds etc would eventually level is as the chickens work it. I'm hopefully starting on the outdoor assembly this coming weekend.

 

[Kiki]

I would say no the run does not need to be level.
They will probably dig holes for dirt baths in it anyway.

 

[jeria]

I would say no the run does not need to be level.
They will probably dig holes for dirt baths in it anyway.

Didn't think about that happening.

 

[misskes]

I would say no the run does not need to be level.
They will probably dig holes for dirt baths in it anyway.

That's exactly what my chickens did. I made sure to put their coop and pen on the flattest part of my yard and they've dug 2 big holes for dust bathing Lol

 

[Kiki]

They don't dig holes like dogs, but you get what I'm saying....it's not going to be level.

 

[snow5164]

A sloped run will be excellent for drainage.

 

[cholland]

A little slope in the run is fine. I have a portion of my run that is fairly steep. They are really efficient at scratching everything to the bottom. A dozen chickens move about one yard of wood chips and compost about 2 feet a day down slope.

 

[jeria]

This is so so good to know. It will save a lot of hot work and time this weekend. Our soil is so saturated with so much rain as will the past 2 weeks. Cement blocks are on the lowest side to hold the dirt in and will be topped with patio blocks that will be around the perimeter under the framing with metal spike type deck post holders on the corners. It's going to be a lot of work simply getting that all level.

 

[aart]

Will your coop be right on the ground...or have a floor?
If floored, leveling some blocks to support it would be a good idea.

My run is on a slight slope, good for drainage yes,
but bedding migrates down hill, which is kind of a drag.
Your construction type will determine how to deal with the slope.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I would say no the run does not need to be level.
They will probably dig holes for dirt baths in it anyway.

Chickens are little feathered excavators. I agree with KikisGirls, once you turn your flock lose all ideas of level will fly the coop.