Dog Proofing a Coop

[CarolinesChicks]

My neighbors dogs have been digging under our privacy fence. They got through once and killed 2 of our chicks that were in a starter coop. Since then we have built a much larger and stronger coop farther away from that side of the fence. I am wondering how to further dog proof it.

When the incident happened, we did call animal control and have called them a second time when I kept discovering holes along the fence line that I had to plug up with rocks. I haven't seen any more holes in the past couple of weeks, and I check every day to make sure that no more appear.

Our chickens are cooped all the time. The coop has wire buried down a little (deepest 3" -the ground around us is very rocky and hard to dig into) and out about a foot. This is covered with rocks, dirt, and on one side a railroad tie. A picture of the front is included below. We used 1/4" hardware cloth that is nailed on with U nails about every 2 inches, and we have put a reinforcement bar along the bottom half of the door. All entrances are securely latched.

What else can we do to make sure that if their dogs get back through the fence while we are at work or away, that they can't get through the coop to the chickens? Our neighbors have said that it won't happen again, but they are quite frankly lazy, and I have little faith in their guarantees. Their dogs are two boxers and a mean yellow lab.

(I have two small kids, so I am not sure about a hot wire. My youngest is 2 and telling her not to touch something is pointless.)

Thanks for your help with this.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Shoot the dogs.
Seriously, if your animals are confined and someone's dogs are invading and killing your animals, most states have statutes that allow killing the dogs on sight. If you don't want to kill them, call animal control and by law, it's their responsibility to deal with it. Some animal control people aren't familiar with the law. Ask to speak with the highest ranking supervisor. They'll know the law and that the dogs can, by law, be put down.
It's your neighbor's responsibility to confine their dogs. It's not your responsibility to prevent them from invading your property.

 

[yellowchicks]

Put down 1/2" hardware cloth on the bottom of the coop/run, nail it to the frame, then put deep litter bedding on top.

 

[TerryPy]

You could add cattle panels (cut appropriately) to the outside bottom 1/2. I think your coop is 10' long and the panels come in 16ft. Tractor Supply sells them or any farm/ranch store.

 

[CarolinesChicks]

I am not sure about the legality of shooting the dogs. I don't own a gun, and as I live in the city limits, I think there are laws against that, but I am not completely sure. However, if they do come through the fence again, animal control should take the dogs away at that point. Third times a charm!

As far as putting the wire on the bottom of the coop, I am more concerned about the dogs busting through the sides and possible reinforcement there. I think the flared wire should keep the dogs from digging into the coop, but maybe I am wrong here? Has anyone had dogs dig past buried wire into their coop?

 

[CarolinesChicks]

Thanks I will check that out. I spend way too much time at Tractor Supply lately.

 

[TerryPy]

Cattle panels would not "look" bad and they are very strong!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I don't see how a dog can get in. It wont dig in trough the wire and wont think to start digging 18" from fence and the welded wire on the run is secured enough so they can't bust through.

 

[jetdog]

Thanks I will check that out. I spend way too much time at Tractor Supply lately.

I would put a couple of hot wires around the base of the coop,one good crack from it should keep the dogs from coming back, tractor supply has everything you need.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! In city limits, it's likely that shooting and electric fencing are both not allowed. That's too bad, but I wouldn't want those dogs in my yard, chickens or not! Call AC every time they show up! Here's my coop, with the new addition in progress. Hardware cloth with 3/4" staples, covered with wood strips stapled in, and woven wire 2"x4" fencing. Hog panels or cattle panels work fine too. Mary