just started building our first coopi

[chickenmamalp]

Hi everyone
We are in the process of building our first coop and would appreciate any suggestions so we have no regrets later!!
One of my 1st questions is do we build a floor or not!

 

[Mr. Peepers]

Definitely build a floor. Even better, build a raised floor. A good raised floor will help to prevent problems with predators. vermin, and moisture.

 

[grandmaof5]

...and it will give the chickens more 'run' space, too.

 

[woodenart]

Definately raise the floor, a) warmer b) no vermin will set up home underneath c) additional run space d) better height for cleaning

Mark.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

a floor is great, if you have the option. my set up did not allow for it in the new coop and we are fine without it.

 

[chickenshagg]

Build it BIGGER than you think you need

 

[biddyboo]

We raised our coop 3' which gives our hens a nice sheltered space underneath for shade, a bit of dry on rainy days, and a place to put their feeder trough out of the rain. That height makes it much easier for me to clean their pine shavings litter than if the coop were on the ground and I were bending over, trying to "get in" to clean. (Ours measures 6 x 4.) Each 4' end wall is a fully opening door which provide cross ventilation, giving wonderful cooling breezes on most days and helping to keep the coop aired out so bad odors do not accumulate. Also, we built four nest boxes extending outside one length of the coop, and made a lifting "roof" over the nest boxes to make egg gathering easy. I'm amazed every night that our flock of 15 hens fit so snugly in their little coop. Once they've gone to roost, the coop looks like it could support another 15 hens easily! ~G

 

[WilczenskiFarm]

We laid vinyl flooring down... soooo easy to clean!!!!!!

 

[Omran]

Only Advice I have is keep on the BYC everyday and read the coop section,it is the biggest coop dictionary in the world