Why are coops typically elevated ?? Is ground level ok?

[FlockOfGirls]

I have a baby coop as I call it. Its pretty good size for 4 pullets.

This coop was built off the side of our shed.
It has a roof and stays dry.
Its ground level.

I could easily take off the 'face of' the fencing and create more space out in the run (which is newly built and not shown in this picture) off of the lower board you see on the face of the baby coop.

I can line the back with nesting boxes and roosts...
But its still going to be a ground/dirt floor in the persay 'coop'.

Will I run into any issues with a setup like this...if you can imagine what im envisoning.

Ive had a whole seperate coop idea but now I'm thinking I can reuse old materials if I just build off this...plus I can collect mass rain water in this area too.

Would love some feedback. We are E. of Colorado Springs, Co - in a small small town.

 

[Messipaw]

It seems like you know What you are doing. Go for it.

 

[Nic&Chickies]

Y'know, I have long wondered that, but never thought to ask about elevated coops. One thing I have noticed is that sometimes the chickens like to go underneath, either to get out of the sun, or for dust-bathing (and since mine set up is like that, I've seen my girls do both). A possible second reason is predator protection, but I really don't know why/how that would help.

Also, if I haven't said it to you already,

!

 

[tepchickens]

I have a coop similar to the one you are planning. I live in MN where it is hot and humid in the summer. The problem I am struggling with is that condensation from the floor is keeping the underside of my litter moist and creating an ammonia smell. Thanks to help from others on this site I have some ideas to stop the problem such as adding a barrier on the floor such as planking or vinal flooring and using stall dry or barn lime.
This is my first year with chickens so I will be working on the coop this weekend. I let you know how it goes. Best of luck to you on your coop.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Burrowing predators like foxes, raccoons, would have to be addressed.

 

[Going Quackers]

Mine is elevated, several reasons, one predators cannot dig into it, next snow, it can never be buried overnight well unless we get several feet and at that point we won't get there forget opening the door

 

[FlockOfGirls]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.