Can you move a chicken coop built on a concrete base?

Moving a chicken coop that's built on a concrete base is possible but can be quite challenging. 

The solid concrete foundation makes the structure extremely heavy and difficult to relocate without taking the proper precautions and steps. 

This article will examine if and how a concrete-based chicken coop can be moved safely and efficiently.

Breaking up or removing the concrete base

• The first major obstacle to moving a concrete chicken coop is the heavy and sturdy concrete base itself. Before the coop can be transported, this base needs to be broken up or removed entirely.
  
  

• Breaking up a concrete slab requires special tools like jackhammers, sledgehammers, pry bars, and even saws. This demolition work is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
  
  

• Concrete bases can be several inches thick and reinforced with rebar or wire mesh. Cutting through and breaking apart this sturdy material is difficult DIY work.
  
  

• Hiring a professional concrete removal service is recommended. They have specialized equipment and experience to remove concrete efficiently and properly.
  
  

• The concrete pieces still need to be disposed of safely once broken up. The debris is extremely heavy.
  
  

• If the concrete base can't be broken up, the entire slab would have to be extracted. This requires excavating around the edges to free the slab for lifting.
  
  

• Using a bobcat or backhoe makes removing an intact concrete slab easier. But the heavy equipment also compacts the surrounding soil heavily.
  
  

• Removing the concrete foundation is the most time consuming and challenging aspect of relocating a concrete-based coop. But it must be done before attempting to move the structure.

Properly anchoring the chicken coop

• Before attempting to move a chicken coop off its concrete base, ensure it is sturdily attached to the slab foundation.
  
  

• A coop that is weakly anchored could easily topple or become damaged when lifted. Taking the time to properly anchor it ahead of time prevents accidents.
  
  

• Metal angle brackets, hurricane ties, metal strapping, bolts, and wood bracing can all help solidify the connection between the coop and concrete.
  
  

• Check that any existing anchor points are still secure. Adding more anchors may be necessary to fully stabilize the coop.
  
  

• Attaching anchor points across the entire base of the coop distributes weight most evenly when lifting. Focus on anchoring the corners strongly.
  
  

• Don't forget to anchor any large accessories or additions to the coop too, like chicken runs, roosts, or feed bins.
  
  

• Hire a professional contractor if unsure about appropriately and safely anchoring the coop to its concrete base. They can ensure it is ready to be moved.

Moving a heavy chicken coop

• Once the concrete base is removed or demolished and the coop is anchored, focus shifts to transporting the structure. This can be challenging with a heavy coop.
  
  

• First, determine if the existing coop is too heavy or unwieldy to move in one piece. It may need to be disassembled partially or completely first.
  
  

• Use an appliance dolly, furniture sliders, and pry bars to shift lighter coops across flat terrain or floors. Get help moving it to prevent injury.
  
  

• Skids, rollers, or levers can help move heavier coops across the ground or floor by people-power. But there's risk of tipping it.
  
  

• Flatbed trucks or trailers are ideal for hauling intact heavy coops over land efficiently and safely. But coops may need to be partially dismantled to fit.
  
  

• A crane or boom truck can lift and move the heaviest concrete-base coops. But this requires professional equipment and operators.
  
  

• When separating a coop into pieces, label parts clearly and store hardware like bolts safely. Make reassembly straightforward.
  
  

• Exercise extreme caution when moving large disjointed sections of the walls, roof, or flooring. Have helpers available.

Safety tips for moving chicken coops

• Check for any loose hardware or protruding nails/screws and hammer them down to prevent injuries.
  
  

• Wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and hard hats when dismantling coops.

• Recruit friends or relatives to help move heavy coop parts like roofing panels or wall sections. Don't risk injury lifting alone.
  
  

• Inspect the intended moving route beforehand. Clear any debris and obstructions that could block or damage the coop.
  
  

• Move coops slowly and take turns if carrying it long distances by hand. Sudden movements can shift the weight unexpectedly.
  
  

• Set up ramps if rolling or winching coops up or down inclines or stairs. Prevent uncontrolled descending or tipping.
  
  

• detach any accessories like chicken tractors or roosts and move them separately. Removing protruding parts prevents snagging.
  
  

• Check for low-hanging eaves, branches, or power lines if hauling coops on trucks or trailers. Avoid collisions.
  
  

• Securely tie down coops on trailers and trucks with straps and rope to prevent shifting during transport.
  
  

• Make sure relocated coops sit level on their new site before reassembling. Address any foundation issues.
  
  

• Recheck all anchoring hardware after reassembly for tightness and stability. Avoid future shifting.

Is moving a concrete coop worth the effort?

• Moving chicken coops is already hard work, and concrete bases make relocating exponentially more difficult.

• The costs of renting demolition equipment or hiring contractors can be prohibitive for some chicken owners.
  
  

• Attempting concrete demolition as a DIY project risks injury, coop damage, or incomplete removal if not done properly.
  
  

• Transporting the extremely heavy coop also requires special equipment and precautions to avoid disasters.
  
  

• However, relocation may be necessary in certain situations like moving to a new residence, avoiding predators, or containment issues.
  
  

• Owners must weigh whether undertaking this major endeavor is truly feasible or affordable for their specific circumstances.
  
  

• Alternatively, purchasing or building a new movable wooden coop may be more prudent than attempting to relocate a heavy existing concrete-based one.
  
  

• If the concrete coop absolutely must be moved and the proper time, money, and care is committed, it can be done safely. But all factors should be carefully considered first.

Concrete coop features impact on moving

• A concrete coop's extreme weather resistance adds weight and durability that may influence moving feasibility.
  
  

• The hygienic nature of concrete eases cleaning but reestablishing sanitation after a move takes effort.
  
  

• Concrete's moisture sealing ability could be compromised by inadequate drainage at the new location.
  
  

• Insulating a concrete coop adds weight that may not merit relocation.
  
  

• Chicken comfort with concrete floors may be disrupted by an abrupt move.
  
  

• Evaluate whether structural repairs should be done before attempting a move.
  
  

• Relocating could worsen stains or odors if waste management isn't addressed first.
  
  

• Noise reduction materials may need replacement if moved.

• Construction flaws increase the risk of damage during a move.

So in summary, moving chicken coops built on concrete foundations is certainly possible but also challenging. With thorough planning, proper equipment, help, and reasonable expectations, concrete chicken coops can be transported successfully to a new location when necessary. 

But chicken owners should fully understand the process's demands before attempting it.