How High Should a Chicken Coop Be Off the Ground?

Hi, I’m Toni! Today we’re exploring how high a chicken coop should be off the ground. As a chicken keeper myself, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of an elevated coop.

While a few birds prefer a ground-level coop, most will thrive in a coop raised off the ground as it offers protection, better circulation and easier access to clean.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the reasons why an elevated coop is so important. I’ll also provide tips for raising a coop yourself and offer some great Somerzby kit options if DIY isn’t your forte. 

Reasons Why Chicken Coops Are Elevated

Here at Somerzby, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of raised coops.

Predator Protection

Elevating chicken coops makes it more difficult for ground-dwelling predators, such as foxes and snakes, to access your hens and their eggs. It also prevents rodents from being able to nest underneath wooden floors.

Lower Moisture Levels

Lifting the coop off the ground encourages airflow beneath it, drying out the space and minimising moisture inside. This is especially important in areas with poor drainage, excessive rainfall or during winter months.

Lower moisture levels ensure that chickens stay in a healthy environment free of mould and dampness which can lead to diseases. Keeping the enclosure dry can also extend the life of your wood, saving you money in the long term because you don’t have to keep repairing or replacing your coop.

Temperature Regulation

Another advantage is improved air circulation underneath the coop which contributes significantly towards temperature regulation. Being off the ground means cooler air during hot months and warmer conditions during cold months.

Extra Space

When you raise your chicken house off the ground, the area underneath becomes extra run space for your chooks to roam in. The space will be shaded in summer and provide protection from inclement weather too.

This area underneath the raised coop can also be used as extra storage space for feed or other pet supplies.

Easier to Access

A taller coop is much easier to access and reach into, making it more comfortable to clean out and to collect eggs. This is particularly beneficial for tall adults, seniors, or people who get sore backs when bending over.

The easier it is to look after your chickens, the more you will want to spend time with them and enjoy their companionship.

The Debate: Elevated vs. Ground-Level Coops 

When it comes to setting up a chicken coop, one key decision is whether to elevate it off the ground or place it directly on terra firma. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

As discussed above, raising your chicken coop has many advantages. It can help deter predators, improve air circulation, add extra run space, and make coop cleaning easier. Most Somerzby chicken coops are designed with the hen house already raised off the ground.

However, if you have an existing ground-level coop then raising it onto legs can be difficult and will require some skill. If you need a handyman to assist you, the extra cost may become expensive.

Ground-level coops are beneficial for birds that struggle to use the ramps and ladders required to reach higher entrances. This includes senior chickens, chickens with vision or leg problems, baby chicks, and some breeds of duck.

Optimal Height for Chicken Coops Off the Ground

Lifting your chicken coop above the earth not only shields your birds from predators but also promotes their well-being. 

Determining how high off the ground your chicken coop should be depends on various factors including predator types present in your area, risk of flooding, how confident your flock is using a ramp, and if you have trouble bending over when cleaning the coop.

In general, we recommend your chicken house and nesting boxes be raised about 50cm (or 20 inches high). This height discourages most terrestrial threats while still being low enough that your hens won’t struggle too much getting inside.

However, it is up to you to determine what suits you and your situation best. When buying a flatpack Somerzby coop, note that smaller coops are usually a bit lower to the ground and larger coops are raised higher. 

Raising Your Chicken Coop

If you have an existing ground-level coop, you can raise it up yourself to reap the benefits of an elevated coop. It might seem like a daunting task at first but there are some simple ways to do this yourself at home:

Concrete Blocks

Place concrete blocks, bricks or pavers beneath the coop’s corners and centre, creating a stable elevated platform. This method requires minimal skill and is suitable for both small and large coops.

Raised Platform

Build a raised wooden platform or deck for the coop to sit on. You will need to ensure the platform is strong enough to take the weight of the coop, sturdy and sitting on perfectly level ground.

For both of the above methods, we recommend attaching your coop securely to the blocks or platform. This is especially important for small coops – you don’t want the coop to be blown or pushed off its new base.

Legs

Chicken keepers who are handy may be able to attach legs to the coop corners. These could be made from either timber or metal. You will need to ensure the legs are attached securely and anchored to prevent shifting and provide stability.

DIY vs. Pre-Made Elevated Coops

When it comes to acquiring a raised chicken coop, you have the choice of building one from scratch or purchasing a pre-made kit coop.

Both options come with their own set of advantages and considerations, making it essential for chicken keepers to weigh their preferences, skills, and available resources.

DIY Coops

Building a raised chicken coop from scratch allows for a high level of customisation.

DIY enthusiasts have the flexibility to design a coop that perfectly fits their needs, accommodating the number of chickens, available space, and personal aesthetic preferences. 

However, DIY projects require a certain skill level, as individuals need to be comfortable with construction tasks such as designing or reading coop plans, cutting timber, and using power tools.

You not only need to build the coop area but also a run to exercise and dust bathe, areas for laying eggs, roosting bars, and a coop entrance door. Large walk-in coops especially can be very time-consuming!

If you need to buy all new materials, building a raised coop from scratch can be expensive. However, it may be cheaper if you already have leftover or recycled materials at home you can use.

Pre-Made Coops

Purchasing a pre-made or kit chicken coop provides a more straightforward and time-efficient option. These coops often come with detailed instructions and pre-cut materials, streamlining the construction process.

Individuals with limited construction experience can find this option more accessible.

Somerzby specialises in high-quality chicken coop flatpacks that are affordable, offer easy access and are fast to assemble. Our coops only require a battery-powered screwdriver for assembly! This gives you peace of mind that you can provide your chickens with a secure and sturdy home that will last for years to come.

Toni’s Wrap

Elevating your chicken coop off the ground has lots of perks including protection from predators, better circulation and making coop cleaning a breeze.

For the perfect coop height, around 50cm strikes the right balance for safety and easy chicken access. Is your hen house currently on the ground? No worries! We’ve got some simple tips to raise your coop higher, from using pavers to building a raised platform.

If you’re having a hard time building a DIY elevated coop yourself, check out Somerzby’s great range of flatpack enclosures. From smaller chicken houses to large walk-in chicken coops, we have everything you need to raise chickens in a healthy and happy environment.