What to put our coop on (grass, mulch, blocks)???

[The Burg Peeps]

I am very new to the chicken scene. We plan on getting 4 Barred Plymouth Rocks in about a weeks time and have recently purchased our coop and will be setting it up in the yard this week. I have seen pictures of coops on blocks, wood, grass, mulch, chips, etc. I am not sure what we should use, if anything to place the coop on or if we should just plop it down on the grass. We don't have many predator issues as we live in a suburban area. I am curious what you did and why? I can't seem to find too much info about this online and my amazon books haven't arrived yet

Thanks!

 

[signdmush228]

I would personaly put it on grass, allowing Birds to forage. I would be watchful for ticks, lice and other parasites. But if you do put it on blocks, there would be a draft from underneath, allowing it to stay cool in the summer. Make sure the coop is well-insulated and birds have access to the outdoors. Grass is a good way togo!

 

[bryan99705]

I would suggest grass, but be aware that it won't last long. Nulch and chips will retain moisture and mildew / rot which can be bad for birds.

As to predators, do NOT assume your birds are safe! Coons and fox are prevenent is most urban areas and, if antthing, are smarter than their country cousins because of the amount of people, pets, etc. Hope you will take steps to be ready when they find the birds.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I am not sure what we should use, if anything to place the coop on or if we should just plop it down on the grass.

It depends on how it's made and what it's made of.

You don't want wood sitting on the ground unless it's a good grade of treated lumber.
If the coop is small, it may need to be anchored to prevent blowing over in storms

The overall size makes a big difference in how it's done.

There are lots of variables, and you've given no details about your coop, so it's really impossible to give a good answer​

 

[dsqard]

I prefer to put mine up off the ground for two reasons. The first reason is because it is made of wood and I do not want to have the wood rot and second, it gives the chickens a nice shady spot to hang out in during the warm months if they are not out free ranging. I also agree with bryan99705 about the predators. Please do not assume that your chickens are safe in an "urban" area. I have seen coyotes crossing streets in the towns I have lived in and I don't think that hawks care if they are over a town or over a field, chickens are always on the menu. Please read up more on predators and securing your chickens.

 

[colebarnhart]

Quote:
It depends on how it's made and what it's made of.

You don't want wood sitting on the ground unless it's a good grade of treated lumber.
If the coop is small, it may need to be anchored to prevent blowing over in storms

The overall size makes a big difference in how it's done.

There are lots of variables, and you've given no details about your coop, so it's really impossible to give a good answer

Agree!!!! Post some pics of what you bought and you'll get better feedback. I would keep it off the ground, but I don't what style your coop is or how big it is. As for what kind of material you want in the floor of your run area, I would use either sand or large tree bark wood chips, but you'll 1st want to put down some type of wire fence barrier to prevent digging predators from getting in.

I also think you'll be surprised at how many predators that you still have living in suburbia.

 

[The Burg Peeps]

Here is the link to our coop...
http://www.cumfypetsusa.com/Chicken_runs-002A.html

Here is a photo of our coop in our garage.. there is also a2 nest boxes inside the coop since we haven't set it up yet as well as a 4x6ft run that attaches.

Thanks for the advice so far! Sorry if I didn't provide enough info... I am still very new at this. Surely didn't want to frustrate anyone.

Sure hope I posted the link and photo properly...

 

[The Burg Peeps]

YAY, I did the link and photo properly!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

At the very least, I'd set it all up on 4 x 4's so there is no ground contact.

None of the wood is treated, so it won't last long sitting on soil

 

[The Burg Peeps]

do NOT assume your birds are safe!

Please read up more on predators and securing your chickens.

I also think you'll be surprised at how many predators that you still have living in suburbia.

I feel I need to defend myself here...
I stated "We don't have many predator issues as we live in a suburban area." I didn't say we had NONE! I am aware that they need protection.

We will be providing them with
#1 a secure hen house
#2 a roost
#3 a covered run

Not to mention we live on a street corner and across from a busy park/jungle gym. We also have a large dog. I have read plenty about keeping them safe!

Not too sure how to take some of these responses.