Question about using concrete blocks under coop and run base/frame.

[valleychicks]

We are getting ready to start on our coop and run. Should we use concrete blocks under our coop and run base/frame? And why or why not? I'm sorry if this question has already been asked. I look through the forums and didn't see anything about using the concrete blocks. If it has been posted please direct me to the thread. I have noticed on some of the coop pictures that people dig an area out and put the concrete blocks in then put the base/frame on the blocks. Is it for predators or more for better construction? Thank you!

 

[Hokum Coco]

Should we use concrete blocks under our coop and run base/frame?

My coop is only 4x8 and concrete block are what I used inexpensive and serve the purpose no complaints from me (17 chickens in my coop). I laid my block like this to keep the birds from escaping when they go under the coop. It has it advantages and disadvantages.

Yes a Golden Comet chicken can fit through that opening in a cinder block.

If you give my coop a second look you will notice a trailer hitch on the east end (my coop faces north; east will be better I learned this year). I move my coop and run every year so the advantage out way the disadvantages in my case.


If your coop is to remain stationary mabe roll the block 90º so the holes are facing out your coop is lest likely to settle and move once you strike a level. (I am more concerned with good enough rather than level).

You can tell where my coop was the previous year by the location of this garden spot and young buck. Makes gardening Easy Peasy less weeds. My gardens grow like wild fire.
Works for me in my small set up.



" I have close to 64 trips now around the sun; My coop was salvaged; Blew away from a relative. Hundreds of Coops can put mine to shame but it "MAKES ME HAPPY!""

 

[valleychicks]

Cute Coop!

 

[Ernie G]

Set them s you would lay them for more strength. Do not stand them.

 

[valleychicks]

Oh, ok. I figured it was something about being more stable but wasn't sure. Thank you!

 

[Alex41]

Oh, ok. I figured it was something about being more stable but wasn't sure. Thank you!

I have skids under my coop, but will also set it on blocks half buried in the ground. Main reason is to keep the wood from rotting with constant contact on the ground

 

[valleychicks]

We plan to paint all the wood to hopefully help reduce rot. We will definitely consider using blocks under the base/frame after what you've said. Want the coop and run to last for as many years as possible. Thank you!

 

[Alex41]

We plan to paint all the wood to hopefully help reduce rot. We will definitely consider using blocks under the base/frame after what you've said. Want the coop and run to last for as many years as possible. Thank you!

Painting will definitely make the wood last longer, but won't help much with the wood in contact with the ground. The bottom of my coop is 12" above the ground for two reasons. (1) is to give the birds some shade and (2), is to allow air to flow under the coop to keep the wood underneath dry. Use pressure treated for any ground contact.

Alex

 

[Cryss]

This is an old thread but it is appropriate for my questions.
I am going to put concrete blocks under the pallet coop I am planning, both to level it and to keep the pallet wood off the dirt. I know I will need to bury some blocks a little bit for leveling. I will not be using the space underneath the coop for the chickens so there will be solid block under the entire 4 edges/walls with the holes going vertically. That's as far as I get in my plan. Hopefully it will be 12x8.
First I need to know do I need to fill in the rest of the area with block or how much would be minimum and what kind of spacing?
Second to prevent critters like snakes and diggers I use hardware cloth apron usually. Should I cover the entire ground area under the blocks with hardware cloth? With minimum blocks or with solid cover blocks(because block holes are vertical)?
I don't know what I don't know so if I'm missing something let me know. I've never built and kind of building but I'm going to give it a go as soon as weather permits.

 

[FlyWheel]

I have skids under my coop, but will also set it on blocks half buried in the ground. Main reason is to keep the wood from rotting with constant contact on the ground

What he said. Wet ground is wood's worst enemy, even if it is painted. The floor joists and underside of the flooring of my last coop is painted with roofing tar and even then I laid it on concrete pavers to keep it off the ground.