Need recommendation on setting up a chicken yard on a hill

[Patriceblue]

I have a very hilly yard and the best place to put my coop and their chicken run/yard is on a hill. I consider using cement block on the lower side to build it up and fill it with possibly sand on the bottom and then soil on top to level the area out. It's under an area with trees so they would get some shade in the summer and sun in the winter. It would be close to trees. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on making a level area for this? Thanks!

 

[GodLovesU]

Can you post a picture of the area and/or your coop plan?

 

[perkolator]

Most of my property is sloped, so my setup is placed at the bottom of a larger hill where it’s flatter, and under edge of big trees.
I used cinder block to adjust the foundation, along with terracing it’s design - over 24’ length the ground level drops almost 3’.
I didn’t level the ground inside, the bedding material does shift downhill over time, but I’ve added “weirs” or dams of logs to help level things out better inside the coop and the 2nd run.
Made sense to me, to build my setup this way. My build page has pics. If you have any questions I can try to help.
Good luck with planning!

 

[DobieLover]

Please pay pictures of the area.

 

[aart]

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on making a level area for this?

Yeah, some pics would be good.
Along with any coop and flock plans you have.
Would also help to know:
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[StinkyAcres]

You have a few options. You can dig down on the high side and basically bury the wall so that it's level with the low side. You can build up the low side (with blocks, wood, etc). Or you can have a landscaper come and dig out a level area with an excavator. I've done all three on my property on a large hill.

This is the hoop house I built (when it was still in progress). I dug down by hand on the uphill side so that side of the structure is basically a few feet underground.

For my duck coop I built it up on stilts on the downhill side.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

I put mine on posts so they can also use under the coop. That would work for a hill.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Building high up makes good sense to me if you're in a wet zone so you don't end up in a poop swamp in wet weather. Hope to see pics of your progress and finished product!

 

[KyCoop]

Building on a slope can be done with proper planing. It's easier to get ahead of possible issues with drainage before you get your first monsoon rains and your run is flooded and your out there in the boot sucking mud with a shovel trying to divert the water.
Ditches, Dams and Drains will be your new best friends.