Why are chicken coops raised off the ground?

A chicken coop raised off the ground has increased air circulation below it. Not only does this help keep the soil dry, but it can also help regulate the temperature inside the chicken coop. Increased airflow in summer can help keep the chicken coop floor cooler. A raised chicken coop ensures that air can circulate around the chicken coop, can prevent flooding in flood-prone areas, and prevents rats and mice from nesting.

An additional advantage of a raised chicken coop is that it can serve as a structure for reared chickens to escape predators. For a variety of reasons, a chicken coop should rise at least 1 foot to 3 feet off the ground, and the rest is your choice. An elevated chicken coop allows air to circulate, minimizes flood damage in flood-prone areas, and keeps predators out. It is advisable to breed chicken breeds suitable for your climate, especially if you experience high or very cold temperatures.

If you're worried about your chickens laying eggs under your huge chicken coop, lock it so they can't get under it. On the other hand, in those summer months they will need shelter from the sun, and being under the chicken coop will be cooler than inside the chicken coop. The important thing for both entrances is to make sure that they are accessible and can be securely locked to keep chickens in and predators out. It is important to consider the location of the chicken coop on your property to maintain hen house hygiene and provide protection for the birds themselves.

However, the frame will only need to support chicken coop wire, hardware mesh and other fencing, not solid walls and a roof, so the frame will not have to be as strong and perfect as the chicken coop frame. The chicken coop is not only a simple structure, but also one of the most important elements in keeping a flock of chickens happy and healthy. When the right temperatures, whether hot or cold, are exceeded, chickens will change their eating habits and stop laying. I would recommend at least 16 inches if you want to be able to easily get under the chicken coop for any reason.

You can apply bricks to temporarily go up if you think you'll decrease the length after the season. A layer of bedding such as pine shavings, rice husks or straw is a good cushion for the inside of the nest boxes and the floor of the chicken coop. Rooster chickens, for example, are a smaller breed of chickens that can't reach the highest places very well, so they don't need that much height to get up in a chicken coop. The smell of chicken feed can attract them, and if your chicken coop isn't elevated, it gives them a chance to feel at home.

However, if you are building your own chicken coop or have the ability to set your own height, it's up to you how high you build your chicken coop off the ground. There are many accessible and easy to understand cooperative plans aimed at beginners available online, often free of charge. Chickens produce a lot of moisture and you want that moisture to escape from the chicken coop so your chickens don't get sick.

Célia Peals
Célia Peals

Unapologetic bacon lover. Devoted food expert. Extreme problem solver. Friendly travel fan. Incurable burrito ninja.