Two Level Coop?

[StinkyAcres]

You could make them two separate coops with two separate runs coming off of them in different directions.

 

[mowin]

You could make them two separate coops with two separate runs coming off of them in different directions.

It would be too difficult to have the proper ventilation with the birds on roost without drafts hitting them. The roost would have to be so low they would be roosting in the nest boxes which would have to be on the ground.

 

[StinkyAcres]

It would be too difficult to have the proper ventilation with the birds on roost without drafts hitting them. The roost would have to be so low they would be roosting in the nest boxes which would have to be on the ground.

Good point.

 

[WolfsongHomestead]

The bottom coop would be difficult to ventilate without the birds being exposed to drafts when on the roost.
All the chickens will most likely huddle in one or the other unless each level had a separate run for there own flock.
Not sure on the size of the playhouse, but it looks around 4x4? If so you're going to be maxed out at 4 standard sized birds, so I get wanting to utilize the bottom for a separate coop, but I don't think it's a good use of the space.

It’s a 4x6, so 24 square feet. Enough for 8 birds max

 

[WolfsongHomestead]

You could make them two separate coops with two separate runs coming off of them in different directions.

This was the original plan, and probably what I’m going to go with

 

[StinkyAcres]

This was the original plan, and probably what I’m going to go with

I think that is a neat design, as long as you're sure you can provide enough ventilation (1 square foot per bird is generally recommended) and not have drafts hitting them. And 24 square feet will comfortably fit 6 standard chickens.

 

[ruthhope]

I like the idea of ducks underneath -- they will go out in the cold and snow. But make sure that you can rake all the bedding out easily from one side-- preferably not the side with the run. You wont want to spend much if any time in the duck house with its low ceiling, but you have to keep it sanitary!

The best use of the space would be storage in metal bins and for feeding your chickens.

 

[PvP]

I've seen plenty of coops on or near ground level and not higher than 3-5 ft tall so I don't see why this would be an issue? They seem pretty capable of ventilating a coop of that size safely and many coop owners can attest to it

Looks like there's room here to have the roosting poles at least a ft+ off the ground, and a good couple ft of head space on top. From every instructional I've read that's plenty for a handful of birds.

At the very least it could be a good way to separate bullies from more passive birds, broody hens, new hens, new chicks, sick or injured birds, etc.
My farmer friend always keeps new or sick chickens in a separate smaller quarantine coop till they're proven disease free and safe to re/integrate.

Additionally, it could be a good spot for quails as well, as they require a very low roof to prevent them flying up high and breaking their neck, and bobwhites are native to snowy northern US and Canada so they would do just fine come next winter