level ground

[llaaadyel]

I know that the coop has to be level but is it ok for the run to slope a bit. I am thinking it would be better for water runoff if we get a lot of rain.

Thanks
E

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
It all depends. Slope is ok but if you have to go out there a bunch then a steep slope probably should be terraced. Me.... I can barely do a gentle slope. Arthritis and the need for a cane most days. Id be ok with a handrail though.

 

[llaaadyel]

I was really thinking more of a gentle slope not something too steep. We get plenty of snow in the winter and a good amount of rain. My thought was that allowing the water and melt to drain would be better than level ground which might pool water.

Thanks
E

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
slope is good then

 

[TN_BIRD]

U might want to consider adding drainage under the coop/run. Maybe a layer of gravel??????

 

[VelvettFog]

All the advice I've read on coop placement strongly suggests a gentle slope. And that's exactly where I placed mine.

 

[sherrydeanne]

Slopes are great; even a pretty steep slope is fine for the chickens (harder for us and fencing though)

 

[debid]

Level runs = mud pits. By all means, use the slope. I went out and checked our run space during the last series of flooding rains. Damp but no standing water or riverlets running through. I wanted to dance and squeal because it's a huge problem here with our clay soil and I wasn't sure the area had enough of a slope.