MINK - Need help with construction ideas

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Ellisa

Ellisa

Songster
6 Years
May 6, 2013
155
7
106
I will be moving to a neighborhood that has a mink farm about half a block away from me.

I've been reading they are mean vicious and can get through 1 1/2 inch diameter.

Those who have experience with these animals, I need your advice on the best way to protect my girls.

I want to prevent any heartache and slaughter.

*Please tell me what you (or someone you know) has done to protect your gals.
*Pictures would be amazing, if you are able.
*Any advice would help

************Also I don't have a coop yet, I was going to see if I can buy one and if that doesn't work make one, but I have very little building experience.****


Any help would be helpful and very appreciated!!! I want to thank you in advance for any help! Thanks!!!!
 
First off, I would avoid prefab coops - they aren't very durable. There are a lot of easy to build plans around (I'll add some links in an edit). On minks/weasels/etc - you'll want 1/2" hardware cloth. You could add an apron of the cloth along the bottom of your coop and run, or bury some wire under your coop/run.

How many chickens are you planning on having?
 
1. No chicken wire
2. Provide locking pop door or barrier on pop door
3. Cover ALL openings e.g. windows, vents with hardware cloth from inside.
4. Apron around coop run of wire, hardware cloth (you CAN use chicken wire here) extending at least one foot, many do two feet...
5. Bricks/stones over apron
6. Consider electric fencing...I have bears and every other varmint so I did do this)
7. For all varmints, solid hasps (not bolt sliders) on run, coop door and nesting box door with carabiners or locks

I have done all these things except apron, cause the run has a hardware cloth floor, covered with topsoil and pine needles and yard waste...did I want to do all this? No. But I did. Now I sleep easier...I don't want a single loss...


if you look closely, I added a barrier of wood at the base of the pop door, the door slides behind the wood when closed (and also keeps bedding in), screwed in good and tight.
Hardware cloth...on the outside of window this time...

See the locks?
 
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I plan on have around 5-8 Chickens. I will do as you say! very cool, thank you!
 
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Amazing!!!! This helps out so much. I am able to see how you applied everything!!! This is so helpful! With all that you have going on around you (bears and every other varmints) do you let them free range, during the day?
 
Ellisa said:
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Yes, yes I do, under supervision! The yard around the coop is fenced, fortunately, and there is a lot of underbrush and ground cover for them to hide if necessary...plus a small dog who guards the perimeter very noisily...and it may not be ALL day, but for at least an hour or so...


ALSO! forgot to add: all food and water is INSIDE the coop...nothing in the run, and if they get treats in the run, that bowl is brought in overnight...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
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Fantastic! This helps out a ton! Thank you for taking your time to help me!!!
 
You are very welcome...also to have coop up off the ground, with run space underneath helps!
I keep thinking of more things....
lol.png


It was a massive and recent undertaking for me, so more than happy to share!
 
I'd like to add that just stapling the hardware cloth may not be enough; we added wood strips screwed into the framing over top.



The entire coop is on an old workshop foundation, a huge bonus. Not stained yet, but very functional. For winter, we attached plastic sheeting six feet up on the open walls. Great ventilation and weather protection. Mary
 

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