Why Are Chicken Coops Off The Ground? 15 Crucial Benefits You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered why so many chicken coops seem to be floating above the ground? It’s not just a random design choice – there are actually tons of practical reasons behind this common practice! As someone who’s kept chickens for years, I’ve learned firsthand that the height of your coop can make a huge difference in your flock’s health, safety, and your overall chicken-keeping experience

Whether you’re planning to build your first coop or considering an upgrade to your current setup, understanding the benefits of raised coops will help you make the best decision for your feathered friends. So let’s dive into the many advantages of keeping chicken coops off the ground!

The Major Benefits of Raising Your Chicken Coop

1. Protection from Predators

One of the most important reasons to elevate your chicken coop is predator protection. Ground-dwelling predators like foxes, raccoons and weasels are serious threats to your chickens.

When your coop is raised

• Burrowing predators can’t dig under the coop to gain entry
• Snakes have a harder time accessing the coop
• The extra height creates another obstacle for predators to overcome

I had a neighbor who kept her coop directly on the ground and lost three hens to a fox that dug underneath overnight. After raising her coop about 2 feet, she hasn’t had any predator issues in over two years!

2. Rodent Prevention

Rats and mice absolutely LOVE chicken coops! They’re attracted to the feed, warmth, and shelter. Unfortunately, these uninvited guests can:

• Steal and contaminate chicken feed
• Spread diseases to your flock
• Eat eggs and even attack small chicks
• Chew through wood floors to gain access

One chicken keeper on BackYard Chickens forum shared a terrifying experience: “Rats moved in underneath my ground-level coop, chewed through the floor and stole eggs and ate feed all winter. I didn’t know until spring cleaning when I saw the little buggers popping their heads up through holes in the floor!”

When your coop is elevated, rodents can’t comfortably nest underneath due to exposure, and they have a much harder time getting inside.

3. Reduced Moisture Problems

Moisture is the enemy of any chicken coop. When a coop sits directly on the ground:

• Wood floors can rot quickly from constant ground moisture
• Bedding becomes damp and moldy
• Ammonia levels rise from wet droppings
• Chickens are at higher risk for respiratory issues
• Frostbite risk increases in winter months

A raised coop allows air to circulate underneath, keeping the floor and bedding drier. This is especially important if you live in an area with:

• Heavy rainfall
• Poor drainage
• Clay soil that holds moisture
• Seasonal flooding or high groundwater

4. Better Ventilation and Temperature Regulation

Chickens need good airflow! A raised coop provides:

• Improved air circulation underneath the floor
• Better regulation of coop temperature
• Cooler conditions in summer
• Less contact with cold ground in winter

The air gap under a raised coop acts as a natural insulator, helping to keep temperatures more stable year-round.

5. Extended Coop Lifespan

When your coop floor isn’t constantly exposed to ground moisture, it simply lasts longer. Dry wood doesn’t rot, which means:

• Fewer repairs needed
• Less money spent on replacement materials
• More years of use from your initial investment

6. Additional Run Space for Your Chickens

Here’s a benefit that’s easy to overlook – the space under your raised coop becomes usable area for your chickens! Your flock will absolutely love having this extra space to:

• Take dust baths
• Seek shade on hot days
• Find shelter from rain
• Hide from aerial predators

I’ve noticed my chickens frequently hanging out under the coop during the hottest part of summer days. It’s their favorite spot!

7. Protection from Snow and Flooding

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or seasonal flooding:

• A ground-level coop door can get blocked by snow
• Flooding can soak bedding and damage floors
• Chickens may be trapped inside or unable to access food/water

With a raised coop, these issues are minimized or eliminated entirely.

8. Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

This is probably my favorite reason for having a raised coop! When your coop is at waist height:

• No more bending or kneeling to clean
• You can simply rake bedding out through the door
• Some designs allow for drop-down floors for super easy cleaning
• Less strain on your back and knees

One clever chicken keeper parks their wheelbarrow directly under the coop door and rakes all the old bedding straight into it. Genius!

9. Easier Egg Collection

Similar to the cleaning benefits, egg collection becomes much simpler with a raised coop:

• Nesting boxes can be accessed from outside the coop
• No need to bend down or crawl inside
• Less disturbance to the hens

10. Shade and Weather Protection in the Run

The space underneath a raised coop provides valuable protection for your chickens:

• Shade from hot summer sun
• Shelter from rain and snow
• Protection from aerial predators like hawks
• A dry place to dust bathe

Some chicken keepers enhance this space by:

• Adding sand underneath for dust bathing
• Hanging feeders and waterers in this protected area
• Partially enclosing the sides for additional protection

11. No Need to Level the Ground

If your yard isn’t perfectly flat, building a raised coop can actually be easier than trying to level the ground for a foundation. The legs can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate uneven terrain.

12. Potential Storage Space

Some chicken keepers enclose the area beneath their raised coop to create valuable storage space for:

• Extra feed and bedding
• Tools and equipment
• Seasonal items

13. Prevents Snow Blockage

In snowy areas, ground-level coops can get their doors blocked by snow drifts. A raised coop eliminates this problem, ensuring your chickens always have access to and from their coop.

14. Less Exposure to Parasites

Ground-dwelling parasites have a harder time reaching your chickens when they’re in a raised coop. This can reduce problems with:

• Mites
• Lice
• Worms and other parasites that live in soil

15. Better Visibility for Monitoring

When your coop is raised, it’s easier to:

• Monitor your flock’s behavior
• Spot potential health issues
• Check for eggs without entering the coop
• Notice any maintenance issues before they become serious

How High Should You Raise Your Chicken Coop?

The ideal height depends on your specific needs and coop design:

• Large walk-in coops: 8-12 inches is usually sufficient
• Smaller coops: 16 inches to 4 feet off the ground is common
• Coops with drop-down floors: 3-4 feet to allow the floor to open
• Minimum height to deter rodents: About 8-10 inches

I’ve found that about 20 inches works perfectly for my smaller coops – high enough to get all the benefits while still being easy to access.

When You Might NOT Need to Raise Your Coop

While raised coops offer many advantages, there are a few situations where it might not be necessary:

1. If your coop has a concrete floor – This already provides protection from burrowing predators and moisture
2. If your coop has no floor at all (deep litter directly on ground) – Though you’ll still need to consider predator protection
3. If you’ve thoroughly predator-proofed the perimeter of your chicken yard with buried hardware cloth

Final Thoughts

Raising your chicken coop off the ground is one of those small decisions that can make a big difference in your chicken-keeping experience. The benefits for both you and your chickens are significant – from predator protection and moisture control to easier maintenance and egg collection.

Whether you’re building a new coop or considering modifications to an existing one, even raising it just 8-12 inches can provide most of these advantages. Your chickens will be healthier, safer, and happier – and you’ll spend less time on repairs and maintenance in the long run.

Have you raised your chicken coop? What height worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Chicken nesting boxes should typically be placed 18 to 24 inches off the coop floor to provide a safe, private laying area that is low enough for hens to access comfortably but high enough to prevent them from sleeping and dirtying the boxes. The nesting boxes should also be lower than the roosting perches to discourage chickens from roosting on them overnight. You should also ensure there is enough depth of bedding in the boxes to keep eggs clean and consider a sloped roof to prevent chickens from roosting on top.