Elevate the coop off the ground

Build or raise the coop 18–24 inches off the ground on sturdy legs or a platform. Elevation eliminates ground-level hiding spots for rats and snakes, improves airflow under the coop, and reduces moisture and wood rot. Chickens use the shaded area underneath as a dust bathing and sheltering spot during hot weather.

Why It Works

Rat snakes and rodents thrive in dark, sheltered spaces at ground level. Elevating the coop removes that cover, making it harder for snakes to approach undetected. The open space underneath also discourages rats from nesting near the coop. Combined with hardware cloth flooring, elevation creates a strong barrier against predators tunneling upward.

Tips

• Use pressure-treated 4x4 posts or concrete blocks for legs
• Wrap hardware cloth around the legs if snakes are a problem
• Ensure the ramp angle is gentle enough for heavy breeds — no steeper than 45 degrees
• Add a hardware cloth floor to the coop to prevent predators from entering from below