New chicken mama- getting a coop ready for 3

[Ophelia100]

Hi
We have a modular coop - no floor yet for 3 hens.
Seems as though our options are either putting it up on some kind of platform or digging a protection into the ground all around it.
Trying to get this done in the next day or so. Any thoughts?

 

[Wyndsong]

Our tiny coop doesn't have a floor either. We're gonna put it on a 2/4 frame and stake it to the ground. Then put some hardware cloth on the outside about a foot to deter digging!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Best to post photos of what you're working with.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

The Usual Guidelines say that for each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop,
• 10 square feet in the run,
• 1 linear foot of roost,
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

So, for 3 you need:

• 12 square feet in the coop,
• 30 square feet in the run,
• 3 linear feet of roost,
• 1 nest box -- or 2 to give the ladies a choice,
• And 3 square feet of ventilation.

There's nothing wrong with a dirt floor in a coop as long as you've got a good anti-dig apron around the outside.

 

[aart]

digging a protection

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Best to post photos of what you're working with.

Yes, pics please.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Ophelia100
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