Questions regarding chicken coops

[Jabbok]

My husband and I are going to start building a chicken coop soon. We want to start with 4 or so chickens. We've noticed that most chicken coops are off the ground and wondered if there is a certain minimum height off the ground they should be?

We're probably going to build the coop bigger in case we decide on more chickens. Our chickens will be free ranging in the summer months. We just have a rough sketch of what we are going to build at this moment. I've been reading through messages and see that 2-4 sq. ft per chicken is a good floor size in the coop (right?) and we'll put in 2-4 laying boxes (in case we do get more).

Mainly we just wondered how high off the ground to build the coop. Any advice and tips will be welcome!
Thanks!

 

[hangin'witthepeeps]

The reason mine is off the ground is I wanted the water to run off. The small one I built that is off the ground was so I had more "yard" space and a shady spot for them to sit. It's also cooler in the summer.

 

[Jabbok]

Thanks!

 

[triggfamily5]

That is the same reason why my new one I am planning on building this summer will be off the ground. Where mine are at right now, they get spring run-off in their coop, and it's just nasty. With it off the ground, it keeps them drier, and will provide a cool shade in the summer.

I plan on placing mine on concrete posts. They have slits in the top for the floor to slide into, then I will anchor a few floor joists to the ground to make sure that Wyoming wind doesn't pick it up (shouldn't, it's going to be a BIG coop).

My only question is, do we need to predator proof the underside? My chickens are free range, I will have a run for emergencies and for chicken training (learning where their new home is. I open the coop every morning, and close every night.

I know we have predators out here, though so far they have not bothered my chickens (except the cats with the bantams). But we have skunks, coyotes, foxes, badgers, and a few others I am sure. They just don't come that close to the house (generally).

Not trying to hijack the thread, just thought I would give you what and why we are doing it, and maybe asking another question that might help both of us.

 

[ranchhand]

Floor space in the coop will depend somewhat upon where you live. If you have a lot of snow they need more space, since they may be locked up for several days due to weather.

As far as height, I love a small coop at just below waist height - makes cleaning easier on my back!

Advice? Build it as big as you can, you will be getting more chickens!

 

[Dogfish]

make it tall enough so that a bucket feeder will fit under there, and so you can sweep all the waste into your wheelbarrow.

 

[Jabbok]

triggfamily5, I like your questions, etc!

I didn't think about some of those things - the closing/opening door is a great idea as mine will be free ranging all day as well. I want to keep predators out (we have skunks, raccoons, coyotes, etc), so thanks!

Ours aren't really going to be bothered by water, and we're going to build it on a concrete slab (though the door will go off to the side into the removable run).

We do have cold/snowy winters here in western PA., so bigger will be better. I've been reading all the chicken 101 things I can. My husband wants me to take notes (as much as I can).

Thanks for all the advice and ideas!

 

[wildorchid053]

mine is off the ground about 2 1/2 feet. we get snow and there are no trees so it works as shade.. it just depends on what you want the space to be used for