Joe
I totally understand your hesitation about the pop door as I did too!
I went to great lengths (and expense) to make this coop a formidable Forte Knox. We have the 1/2" hardware cloth everywhere--very tight and secured to the frame at frequent enough intervals (not with staples but washers and screws) as well as completely underneath the coop (6 inches of sand over it so the girls won't scratch the wire). Multiple childproof locks on each door and all heavy construction--nothing flimsy or loose on the entire coop.
Being an obsessive pet owner I have tested it thoroughly and the only way a raccoon or possum can get in is if they have a chain saw. Our best friend builds homes and I had him test it for weaknesses too--he found none. He could not even push a door open using more strength than a raccoon could have. I also have foiled raccoons and herons from getting our pond fish for over 17 years--it helps that I am an animal behaviorist.
We also have a motion flood light and well trained Belgian Malinois who guards her girls as if they were family. Cherokee was a patrol dog in the military so I think she'll be able to keep a raccoon off the property. She can get to the coop from our family room in less than 2 seconds.
I am very glad you brought this up and that you are concerned about security as I have read too many sad stories. I know we went a bit overboard but the only possible entrance would be from a human error--like not locking the "people" door. This was one reason for 3 locks on that door--I wanted it to stay close even if you forgot one.
I totally understand your hesitation about the pop door as I did too!
I went to great lengths (and expense) to make this coop a formidable Forte Knox. We have the 1/2" hardware cloth everywhere--very tight and secured to the frame at frequent enough intervals (not with staples but washers and screws) as well as completely underneath the coop (6 inches of sand over it so the girls won't scratch the wire). Multiple childproof locks on each door and all heavy construction--nothing flimsy or loose on the entire coop.
Being an obsessive pet owner I have tested it thoroughly and the only way a raccoon or possum can get in is if they have a chain saw. Our best friend builds homes and I had him test it for weaknesses too--he found none. He could not even push a door open using more strength than a raccoon could have. I also have foiled raccoons and herons from getting our pond fish for over 17 years--it helps that I am an animal behaviorist.
We also have a motion flood light and well trained Belgian Malinois who guards her girls as if they were family. Cherokee was a patrol dog in the military so I think she'll be able to keep a raccoon off the property. She can get to the coop from our family room in less than 2 seconds.
I am very glad you brought this up and that you are concerned about security as I have read too many sad stories. I know we went a bit overboard but the only possible entrance would be from a human error--like not locking the "people" door. This was one reason for 3 locks on that door--I wanted it to stay close even if you forgot one.
