A little run advise please :)

[MPJ]

I want to make sure I am making my coop and run as predator proof as possible. I am about 2 to 3 weeks from finally getting my 6 "pullets" (hopefully) out of the house and into the coop. Would you go higher than the 4 feet I have gone with the fabric wire? I am putting a roof on to keep it dryer and shaded although the roof is already covered. I added an apron 2 feet out on all sides and corners and over the coop window. Any other suggestions? I am in NM and have seen skunks in my yard on my ring cam. I am sure raccoons are around but haven't seen any. Lots of coyotes but they cant get in my yard thankfully. We will be adding extra run on this as well so want to make sure we are doing it as predator proof as possible before I start the add on. Thanks for any advice.

 

[365username]

I want to make sure I am making my coop and run as predator proof as possible. I am about 2 to 3 weeks from finally getting my 6 "pullets" (hopefully) out of the house and into the coop. Would you go higher than the 4 feet I have gone with the fabric wire? I am putting a roof on to keep it dryer and shaded although the roof is already covered. I added an apron 2 feet out on all sides and corners and over the coop window. Any other suggestions? I am in NM and have seen skunks in my yard on my ring cam. I am sure raccoons are around but haven't seen any. Lots of coyotes but they cant get in my yard thankfully. We will be adding extra run on this as well so want to make sure we are doing it as predator proof as possible before I start the add on. Thanks for any advice.

It looks great! You should be good adding on is a good idea

 

[rosemarythyme]

Most likely what you have is good enough against most predators, though some critters do climb. I myself only have HWC up a couple of feet, but I'm also home most of the time to hear alarm calls if something shows up, and the chickens are locked in the coop (fully inside the run) at night.

Hard to see, but do you have wire aproned out or buried around the perimeter as well? That's an obvious weak point, if you don't already have it covered.

 

[IamRainey]

I don't think you'll have raccoons getting through above your hardware cloth. And don't worry, if they're anywhere in your vicinity they'll find the chickens! Don't know if skunks climb but I rather doubt it. Coyotes would be more likely to dig but your apron should take care of that.

What I see climbing up and getting in above your hardware cloth is vermin. They'll eat your feed and possibly the eggs. They can also attack your chickens while they sleep. So, if it were me, I'd add a second round of hardware cloth.

And that roof is an excellent idea. Not only will it prevent vermin from entering from the top but it will protect your chickens from the summer sun. When it gets hot you may want to add some shade cloth "awnings" around your run. I'm in SoCal and I double my shade cloth and get as much as a 20˚ temperature drop by doing that.

 

[aart]

Most likely what you have is good enough against most predators, though some critters do climb. I myself only have HWC up a couple of feet, but I'm also home most of the time to hear alarm calls if something shows up, and the chickens are locked in the coop (fully inside the run) at night.

Hard to see, but do you have wire aproned out or buried around the perimeter as well? That's an obvious weak point, if you don't already have it covered.

Agrees...yes, they have an apron.

I added an apron 2 feet out on all sides and corners

 

[MPJ]

Thanks all! I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little embarrassed as to how obsessed I have become with my chickens but it has been so much fun so far. I will stock up on some shade cloth for sure since we can get pretty hot here in NM. I am also going to hard wire cloth all the up as well just to be safe.

 

[mowin]

Don't know if skunks climb but I rather doubt it.

While skunks are poor climbers, they can and will climb wire fencing.

 

[analyticalblonde]

Thanks all! I really appreciate all the feedback. I am a little embarrassed as to how obsessed I have become with my chickens but it has been so much fun so far. I will stock up on some shade cloth for sure since we can get pretty hot here in NM. I am also going to hard wire cloth all the up as well just to be safe.

Don't be embarrassed...we put a lot of time, care and love into our flocks...! I'm glad you're going to be raising the HWC because I was going to mention snakes...I'm sure they are there in NM.

 

[aart]

I am a little embarrassed as to how obsessed I have become with my chickens

It's not really obsession, more like 'passion' or 'immersion'
and there's a lot to learn, and do...'little' details can be very important.

 

[Folly's place]

The more hardware cloth, the better! And, well secured, which yours isn't yet in those pictures.
Your run is good, and could be safer, depending on your decisions, juggling risk/ costs.
I think about any critters, from rats, weasels, raccoons, up to those two 100 pound dogs who could come visiting one day.
Mary