Pred proof coop/run on gravel pad

[LilChickyChick]

Looking for ideas: We’re getting our new coop delivered next week. It will be placed on top of a gravel pad that is 1 foot wider in each direction. I’ve attached a reference picture. Looking for ideas to predator proof this part, since the run will extend off one side. Is it best to have an enclosed “bridge” over the gravel with an unattached run? Hardwire on top of the rocks?

 

[Sally PB]

The gravel pad might cause some issues. It will be very hard on the chickens' feet. It may be very hard to clean up the poop. If you can't get the poop out, you will have to deal with odor and flies.

Are you stuck with the gravel pad? Can you put the coop somewhere else?.

since the run will extend off one side. Is it best to have an enclosed “bridge” over the gravel with an unattached run?

Is there a reason to have an unnattached run? Having them butted together eliminates building one wall of the run, since it's the side of the coop.

Search on this site for "anti-dig aprons" for ideas on how to keep digging predators out. The apron can be either horizontal (on top of the ground) or vertical (trench dug into the ground). Most people go with horizontal, as it's easier.