- Oct 23, 2013
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We plan to get a small flock in about a year and have begun planning the coop and run. I intend to build one of the coops where the run is covered, the coop is raised of the ground and the storage underneath the coop. Predators in the area are coyotes, dogs, foxes, opossums, raccoon, dogs, copperheads, cottonmouths, king snakes, black racers, cats, hawks and probably some things I'm forgetting. It's a real rural area, there are dogs that run about, plus we have a yorkshire terrier with high prey drive. The yard is not fenced, so I'm sure I'll need to have strong fence, but I need to know what these pests are capable of to prevent losses.
Some things I have thought. I do know I want construction sand in the run. I thought of hardware mesh on the bottom to prevent animals digging in. Also 4x2 welded wire and hardware mesh on the sides. I don't know if hardware mesh is strong enough alone? I figure these are tight enough to keep snakes out. No open gaps, lock on the door and external nest box. Covered run prevents hawks.
Some things I have thought. I do know I want construction sand in the run. I thought of hardware mesh on the bottom to prevent animals digging in. Also 4x2 welded wire and hardware mesh on the sides. I don't know if hardware mesh is strong enough alone? I figure these are tight enough to keep snakes out. No open gaps, lock on the door and external nest box. Covered run prevents hawks.
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