Predator Proofing my Run

BuffOrps416 said:

I don't have any underground protection and I know I need a better door, but (you can't tell from the photos) I do have metal hardware cloth covering the fences. I don't know where to get a good door or fence though because I bought that one at Lowes because it was the only one that was the right length. Also how exactly do you install underground protection? I'm very sorry I probably sound so ignorant and my run probably looks so awful, but it was the most affordable and nothing has happened until now, so I didn't think it was so urgent, but I see your point and I will fix it as soon as possible.



Edited for grammar

Click to expand...

Oh my gosh, I hope I didn't make you feel ignorant!! That wasn't my intent at all and I sincerely apologize!! Every one of us has made concessions between what we would really want and what we can afford, as well as what our building skills can handle. In my case, that was a lot of concessions! You're right, even blown up I didn't see the hardware cloth covering the fences so you're good there!

You don't really need to spend money on a new door! Just get some wood and attach it to the outer parts of the frame, there where the big gap is right between the frame and the side fencing. If your door opens in, attach them on the outside so they don't interfere with the movement of the door. If the door swings out, then attach them on the inside. That seals up that gap! As far as underground protection goes, if you run some fencing - almost anything from welded wire to chicken wire to hardware cloth will do - lay it flat extending outwards about 2 feet and then fold it up and attach it to the chain link, you've just put in a barrier than predators can't dig under. They have the sense to find areas where we forget protection, but if they decide to dig for a chicken dinner they always start as close to the fence as possible - they don't have enough sense to start digging 2 feet out. So they start to dig and hit the protection hidden there.

Lots of folks actually dig a trench and bury fencing underground so predators hit it when they dig, but my ground was too hard and way too rocky for that, so I just used hardware cloth and did exactly as I suggested. I ran hardware cloth up about 2 feet on my run fencing, folded it at the bottom and ran it out about 2 more feet out, pinning it to the ground with landscape fabric staples. The grass grows up through it so we can mow right over it. And it works! Our English Setter, Molly, wanted to get in at the chickens so badly when we first put them out. She ran the length of the run a few times and when she couldn't find a way in she decided to dig underneath. She broke and bloodied a toenail and decided they just weren't worth that kind of pain!

Rather than being criticized, you should be commended for wanting to deal with that pesky raptor as soon as you spotted him. The rest will come as you can get to it. And I need to learn to phrase my responses in a more kindly way!

BuffOrps416 said:

I don't have any underground protection and I know I need a better door, but (you can't tell from the photos) I do have metal hardware cloth covering the fences. I don't know where to get a good door or fence though because I bought that one at Lowes because it was the only one that was the right length. Also how exactly do you install underground protection? I'm very sorry I probably sound so ignorant and my run probably looks so awful, but it was the most affordable and nothing has happened until now, so I didn't think it was so urgent, but I see your point and I will fix it as soon as possible.



Edited for grammar

Click to expand...

Here's what I would consider:

1) For the gaps in the door, how about using something like hog rings and clip on 1/2 inch wire mesh around the inside of the door (opposite of the way the door opens). Have it overlaps the gaps, then extend about a foot onto the chain link fence. It should also overlap the door on the inside.
2) It's hard to dig down to make an underground barrier after the fact. However, you can also use an apron around the perimeter. An apron can be made also with about 24" of 1/2" hardware mesh, attached to the bottom row of the chain link, and fanning out away from the run. Scrape away a few inches of dirt and lay the 'apron' of mesh down. Secure this with 12" garden staples, and recover with the dirt and some gravel.
3) You definitely want about 3 feet of a smaller gauge mesh around the bottom of the chain link fence, but it sounds as if you have that, and it is just hard to see.

All good points, @Beekissed

BuffOrps416 said:

I don't have any underground protection and I know I need a better door, but (you can't tell from the photos) I do have metal hardware cloth covering the fences. I don't know where to get a good door or fence though because I bought that one at Lowes because it was the only one that was the right length. Also how exactly do you install underground protection? I'm very sorry I probably sound so ignorant and my run probably looks so awful, but it was the most affordable and nothing has happened until now, so I didn't think it was so urgent, but I see your point and I will fix it as soon as possible.



Edited for grammar

Click to expand...

Don't feel bad about how your run looks! Chickens don't care what it looks like, as long as they have food and are safe they are happy! My chicken house is ugly as sin on the outside but it keeps them dry and happy. But I know what you mean I got on here so proud of my huge run and house all made from previously used materials as I am a scavenger (sounds better than building material hoarder) and then I saw everyone's beautiful chicken coops and went home to tell my husband the outside needed some work. He was the one that pointed out to me that the chickens don't care about their ugly building. It made me feel better. Aren't we a crazy lot?

See UGLY:

samantha LW said:

Don't feel bad about how your run looks! Chickens don't care what it looks like, as long as they have food and are safe they are happy!

Click to expand...

That is the truth! The only important thing is safety.
If your chickens are secured in a safe coop at night, then the fence doesn't have to be super secure.

And it is important to know your predators; around here, our main fear during the day is hawks and eagles, so the netting is very important.
Night time is a different story, but mine are safe in the coop.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and great tips! I have some extra hardware cloth that I will make an apron out of around the fencing, I will definitely get some sort of netting and will put posts on either side of the gate. Thanks again.

BuffOrps416

Thank you Blooie! I have been searching for how to use the hardware wire to protect my run from digging predators. Your directions are great. I have the wire just need the landscape fabric staples.

HI all,
Hope I can jump in on this discussion! Our first ever chicks arrive tomorrow (yay!). The coop is pretty much done and I'm starting to turn my mind towards the run. And I need some advice!
We're getting 30 chicks (all laying hens). Our coop is 10x12 and I'm thinking of fencing a run in an L shape around two sides of the coop (does that make sense?). We have lots of space, so I'm wondering first what an ideal run size would be? Then next is how to predator proof it?
We're on a farm, with lots of predators lol. I am planning on locking the girls in the coop every night. The main risks are going to be hawks and coyotes, but I have seen weasels before. We also have occasional badgers move into the area. Will these nasty guys try to get at my birds?
Is the underground/apron fencing primarily for birds that are not locked up at night? Is this something I should do? Can I use regular chicken wire for this, or should it be that hardware cloth stuff? Is there an easy way to dig the trench other than by hand with a shovel?
Why type of posts, and how deep should they be in the ground? Cemented? How far apart do the post need to be? How tall should to coop be for the birds to be happiest? (Ie. Hop around and stuff)
I saw it recommended to put hardware cloth on the bottom two feet or so, then chicken wire to the top - why is this better than all chicken wire?
I was thinking of taking the advice to run wires on the top to support the aviary netting. But what type/gauge of wire is the best to use? Has anyone had hawks still attempt to dive into the coop with the netting? (Ie I'm wondering if it might be like walking through a screen door lol),

Thanks!

AlbertaChick said:

HI all,
Hope I can jump in on this discussion! Our first ever chicks arrive tomorrow (yay!). The coop is pretty much done and I'm starting to turn my mind towards the run. And I need some advice!
We're getting 30 chicks (all laying hens). Our coop is 10x12 and I'm thinking of fencing a run in an L shape around two sides of the coop (does that make sense?). We have lots of space, so I'm wondering first what an ideal run size would be? Then next is how to predator proof it?
We're on a farm, with lots of predators lol. I am planning on locking the girls in the coop every night. The main risks are going to be hawks and coyotes, but I have seen weasels before. We also have occasional badgers move into the area. Will these nasty guys try to get at my birds?
Is the underground/apron fencing primarily for birds that are not locked up at night? Is this something I should do? Can I use regular chicken wire for this, or should it be that hardware cloth stuff? Is there an easy way to dig the trench other than by hand with a shovel?
Why type of posts, and how deep should they be in the ground? Cemented? How far apart do the post need to be? How tall should to coop be for the birds to be happiest? (Ie. Hop around and stuff)
I saw it recommended to put hardware cloth on the bottom two feet or so, then chicken wire to the top - why is this better than all chicken wire?
I was thinking of taking the advice to run wires on the top to support the aviary netting. But what type/gauge of wire is the best to use? Has anyone had hawks still attempt to dive into the coop with the netting? (Ie I'm wondering if it might be like walking through a screen door lol),

Thanks!

Click to expand...

I can try to help with a few questions!

1. Make the run as big as you possibly can. Forget square footage per chicken, make it BIG. If they can free range a few hours per day, that helps a lot.

2.If your chickens will be locked in the coop at night, every night, without fail, then the run does not need to be as secure. However, predator attacks have occurred at times like 9am, or even later in the day, so making your run secure is always a good idea. Know the predators in your area, and plan accordingly.

3. Thus, you want the underground apron for badgers, raccoons, weasels, etc. You just have to scrape away a few inches of soil. Attach the 1/2" hardware mesh (welded wire would be OK too, if you aren't too worried about rats) to the base of the run and fan it out. Secure with 12" garden staples and cover with pavers or gravel.

4. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but does not keep predators out; most of the above predators could rip an opening in chicken wire. So having a ground apron (back filled with pavers or gravel) and then hardware mesh up the sides 3' can hopefully prevent one of the above predators from reaching in and pulling off a chicken head if they stray too close. Above that, I would go with welded wire (cheaper than 1/2" hardware mesh, but larger gauge, so no good for the lower sides of the run).

5. Netting over the top works for me to keep hawks out. I have seen them dive the fly off. But this secondary run area is only used during the day; the run attached to the coop has a metal roof.
Netting will not keep out raccoons, coyotes, etc. Netting over the top with 2 lines of electric wire around the run would be better for these predators.

6. Having a roof over part or all of your run makes it more secure, and also provides extra space that is somewhat protected from the weather. Again, more SPACE for the chickens to hang out in, less fighting.

7. Not sure about the posts; I'd think 2x4's would be fine, maybe with some 4x4's at corners. Cementing is great; but a good hole with gravel packed in should work too.

I heard someone attached their netting to a pulley and when snow was forecasted, they lowered it. Then they'd raise it again while the snow shakes off.
Good luck protecting your birds