What's the difference?

[Oknev]

Trying to decide what type of coop to build and love seeing all the different types. But, what are the reasons for some to be up high and others on the ground? One sitting high would be easier to reach but not able to go inside...how do you decide??
Help!
Karen

 

[gatorshark75]

Trying to decide what type of coop to build and love seeing all the different types. But, what are the reasons for some to be up high and others on the ground? One sitting high would be easier to reach but not able to go inside...how do you decide??
Help!
Karen

.my coops are two feet off the ground and then four feet from floor to ceiling for a total of six feet. they are also six feet wide and six feet deep. i made it comfortable for us to get eggs and comfortable to clean out. the other benefit to having them up off the ground is it helps keep predators at bay and snakes out too. its all designed to be functional for you and the chickens.

 

[jonsccm]

I built an 8x8 coop on the ground. I set it up so the door dose not have a step I can go in with a rake and pull everything out without bending over or having to shovel anything out. I have a cement foundation so predators can not get under and the attached run has fencing buried at least 10'' deep all the way around the door to the run have ment sloped on both sides so I can rake over it but nothing can dig under it. I don't think there is any thing wrong with having a raised one I think they do that to protect from snakes or something. I have never had that kind of trouble. I built mine with my back in mind, make it as easy as posible to clean. And make sure nothing else gets in and that's all you need

 

[gatorshark75]

I built an 8x8 coop on the ground. I set it up so the door dose not have a step I can go in with a rake and pull everything out without bending over or having to shovel anything out. I have a cement foundation so predators can not get under and the attached run has fencing buried at least 10'' deep all the way around the door to the run have ment sloped on both sides so I can rake over it but nothing can dig under it. I don't think there is any thing wrong with having a raised one I think they do that to protect from snakes or something. I have never had that kind of trouble. I built mine with my back in mind, make it as easy as posible to clean. And make sure nothing else gets in and that's all you need

sounds like a good design do you agree that everyone should build their coops to make it easy on them like we did and you did

 

[jonsccm]

I think everyone has different needs it may depend on the location your building on and the size of your flock. I have looked at some raised Coops that were very well-designed and very easy to clean. But they were not going to hold 20 laying hens like I needed also if the ground is very moist you may not want to have a coop on the ground raised will keep it dry. For me the coupon the ground was my best choice, but everyone has different needs. When trying to decide also consider not just the square footage but how much roost space in inches you will need.

 

[okjenyp]

I converted an old metal shed into a coop. I have 17 chicks that are almost ready to move in the shed has a wood floor. I think it will work out fine. I tried to use free supplies as much as possible. Now I have seen some great raised coops but I think if I were building one from the ground up I would still go for one on the ground which I can walk into if I want

 

[Oknev]

Thanks for the responses. I am looking at just 4-6 chickens but you would think I am planning for the birth of a child. I am having so much trouble deciding which breed, which coop! I stay up researching , it is my night job now! Lol
Karen

 

[okjenyp]

For just that small amount of chickens, I would do a chicken tractor. I like the idea cuz you can move it around and let the girls move around. And won't wear out one spot in the yard. I didn't do a tractor cuz we have too many chicks. And I already had a shed in the yard to convert. Good luck

 

[SweetTater725]

Karen, I'm right there with you!! And the part about "planning for the birth of a child" cracked me up.....cause I was thinking the same thing. lol I too will start out with a small amount of ladies....but the coop options are e-n-d-l-e-s-s!!

 

[Sonya9]

I just assumed the very small ones were raised so it was easier to clean/get eggs and also because often they are in smaller spaces and that frees up the ground under the coop.

If someone is going to build a tall coop that they can walk into it isn't raised (or isn't raised by more than a few inches.

I looked at the small "prefab" coops and then had my lawn man build me a 4 x 8 coop out of plywood (small but I can walk inside easily). I like that much better and it also allows the birds to perch up high. I only have 4 but more space is better for them and for me (less squabbling if they have space vs being inside a very small dollhouse size coop).

My advice would be build bigger rather than smaller if you are undecided. You never know if you will want to add a couple of more chickens.