Why are coops built off the ground?

[rosemarythyme]

Most of the time, the reason for elevating is to provide extra run space that's also somewhat protected from the elements. In a small backyard set up that run space can be pretty valuable.

We chose an off the ground design bc we live 500 feet from a river, get a lot of rain and can have small flooding in the yard.

Same here - though mine's not elevated enough to allow use of the space underneath (it's only about 6" clearance). My coop is maybe 30' from a creek and it flooded twice last winter, so thanks to being elevated, the flood waters rushed under the coop but the building stayed high and dry.

 

[KOdin]

I want my chickens closer to heaven

 

[singwithmylife]

http://www.mysnazzychickencoop.com/chicken-coop/7-reasons-elevate-chicken-coop/

This website had some great reasons.

 

[SteveUK]

Like its been said, various reasons. With mine for example by building it a few feet off the ground I was able to increase my run space by 12 square feet. Other wise its just really dead space, my kids really don't spend a lot of time inside so it would have just been dead space. Plus, I had mine about two feet because its easier for me to just open the coop door and do what I need to do without bending over and all that. My next one will be a walk in I think, kind of looking to change somethings up.

Same (apart from the walk in).
I keep their food, water and perches in the dry space under the coop.

 

[William A Huskey]

I've kept chickens for decades and always built the henhouse on the ground -- on a concrete slab, actually, for predator protection. And lots of shaving on top. Anyway, I am wanting a new design and the majority of buildings I see online are built up off the ground. Is there a reason for this? Seems like it would make the henhouse cold!
Thanks - Wendy

I agree with you I think the ground isn’t clean enough I already have a concrete pen I’m setting up for Turkeys tomorrow buying 15 meter of plastic chicken wire for the perimeter of the coop with 2 foot concrete walls on the bottom and bar’s going to 6 foot high with corrugated steel roof at a 8 inch incline under lock and key later to build wood cabinets for the hens

 

[BabasCoop]

Ours is 4 feet off the ground. We designed it this way for predator safety and strength. We suspended it from the roof. It’s very strong, nothings getting in that sucker. Plus ease of cleaning and additional shade and run space.

The pros in suspending it far outweighed any cons.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Mine is off the ground for predator protection. It prevents diggers, and reduces the access to curious bears. It also eliminates concerns of floor rot. It naturally provides shade in the summer, protection from rain, and a place for them to dust.
It also saves my back. I have exterior nesting boxes, so i can retrieve eggs, and refill food and water without ever dtepping foot into the coop or bending over.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Ours is 4 feet off the ground. We designed it this way for predator safety and strength. We suspended it from the roof. It’s very strong, nothings getting in that sucker. Plus ease of cleaning and additional shade and run space.

The pros in suspending it far outweighed any cons.

I guess you haven't created ventilation yet.

 

[BabasCoop]

I guess you haven't created ventilation yet.

Yes if u look at the top there is ventilation on all sides. Also the two shutters open in the morning and I close them at night when I close up their coop. They have LOTS of ventilation.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I'm sorry but I don't see LOTS of ventilation. I see a sealed box. Openings closed at night, equals no ventilation.