Put Coop on the grounds or raise it 18" so they can go underneath

[rp844]

I'm trying to decide if I should put my coop close to the ground almost on the ground or raise it up 18" or so letting them go underneath the coop and basically giving them that much more room in there run?

planning on doing an 8x12 coop was thinking 24x12 run.

just wondering if its better to give them the room under the coop and why? do they like it under there?

thinking I wont be able to clean underneath very easy. also if I put it on the ground I could make the interior a little higher making it easier to stand up inside for me and thus easier to clean inside.

any opinions on this would be great

thanks
Rob

 

[ChickenCanoe]

IMO, If on the ground it should have a concrete or dirt floor.
I like them elevated so, as you say, it makes the run larger.
Some of the year, that's the only place dry or unfrozen enough for dust baths. It is also the coolest place in the heat of summer.
One downside of a raised coop is that you have to include steps so you can go in easily. Not a big deal, just a thought.
Another thing with a raised coop, you can have a clean out door at floor level and park your garden cart or wheelbarrow next to it for mucking out.

I have one coop that size which is on a concrete floor that is both storage and a brooder house.
All other coops here are raised high enough for the birds to access.
It doesn't hurt on occasion to peer under it in case they're laying eggs under there. You can use a rake to scoot them out.

A slightly elevated coop is a harbor for rodents and snakes.

 

[rp844]

If off the ground how high does it need to be?

 

[jaj121159]

I would go high enough for the chickens to comfortablly be able to stand up. If you raising bantams it could be lower, but I would build to acommodate a ful-size chicken like a RIR or Barred Rock. I'm currently building a coop off the ground and have it raised two feet.

Also keep in mind if the coop is off the ground and part of the run it should be fenced using hardware cloth. Also, by keeping the coop off the ground it reduces the chance of any critters entering the coop by getting through the floor. Even if the area under the coop isn't used for a run, by building it off the ground you still get the intruder protection and even area for cats to catch vermin.

 

[silkwormlady]

This has me wondering: I'll have Buff Orps, Golden Comets and Speckled Sussex. Figure they'll slip in under a coop 11" to 12" off the ground? Do a move to get in outta the sun?