I put this here instead of the Predator section hoping that people in the plans or process of building a coop can read it. My chicken coop/run is located just a few feet from my home office window, maybe 20 feet to the left of my window. I was just sitting here at my desk when I heard the hens making a loud fuss. I didn't think much of it, because they've been squabbling lately in general, and also make a loud scene just laying an egg.
A moment later I *happened* to look up as a GIANT hawk flew RIGHT by my window, coming from the direction of the coop. He was very large and VERY low, level with my downstairs window! I was stunned for a moment, and then suddenly remembered the scene my chickens were making a moment before. I ran out to my porch and looked at the coop. All my Silkies & Bantams were hiding under the coop and my Rooster and my RIR, the only large breed hen, were both out looking alarmed. I stared for a moment, and then I realized: Of course they were fine! I went out of my way last year to build the perfect coop. I had thought it out, designed it well and it's virtually predator proof. I think it would take a determined bear to get into it. The coop is within the run, the run is fully enclosed with half inch hardware cloth on all sides, top and bottom (under the dirt floor). I have a plastic corrugated roof on top of the run. There is NO way a hawk could get to them. He could land on top and look in, which I suspect he did, but absolutely no way to get in to them.
With great relief I went back inside, thinking it was silly I was even worried at all. Made me think to post it here. The importance of a predator proof coop! Had I taken short cuts last year, I might be in the predator section right now telling a story with a very different outcome.
Also, last fall I had gone out one day to see that some critter, raccoon, weasel, etc., had TRIED unsuccessfully to dig a hole under the run near the door. Had I not laid down hardware cloth UNDER the dirt floor, it may have gotten in. My neighbors all think I went overboard when I had my coop built, but since then they have all lost chickens to predators, some giving up on chickens altogether out of frustration of losing them. I don't gloat of course, but I am pleased that I went through the extra trouble that I did, because I have never lost one as a result.
Please take the time to plan out, save up cash, think through the design of your coop and do it right the first time. It's SO worth the heartache later of wishing you had done things differently, especially if you live in an area with a lot of predators like I do.
We post a lot about problems, but I thought it might be nice to post about something that went right! I hope it helps anyone building a coop to take a good look at their design.
With great relief I went back inside, thinking it was silly I was even worried at all. Made me think to post it here. The importance of a predator proof coop! Had I taken short cuts last year, I might be in the predator section right now telling a story with a very different outcome.
Please take the time to plan out, save up cash, think through the design of your coop and do it right the first time. It's SO worth the heartache later of wishing you had done things differently, especially if you live in an area with a lot of predators like I do.
We post a lot about problems, but I thought it might be nice to post about something that went right! I hope it helps anyone building a coop to take a good look at their design.
Post photos of your coop and run. Would love to see it.
