Anxious about new coop/predators

[Susanjoans]

I'm in a suburban area of Louisville KY - just bought a chicken coop. I've always wanted chickens, and my daughter brought home a muscovy duckling a month ago, seemed like a good time lol. Her friend's duck will be moving in with us tomorrow

I bought the coop off of Craigslist - great guy, built it himself, but it's not as secure as I'd like. When I asked him, he said he's never had a problem with predators - but I figure that "a problem" needs to only happen once and there goes your flock.

Anyway, it's only got 1" chicken wire on it, so I'm planning to put 1" hardware cloth over all of the wire. I'm also going to reinforce the door, which has some gaps between it and the frame, and I'm planning on good locks for both the coop door and laying box door. It has a tin roof, so I'm not worried about that - but I will be checking closely for gaps there.

My main question is this: he put that 2x4 hardware cloth on the floor of the whole coop. At first I thought of getting rid of it, as I'd read that wire isn't good for duck's feet, but then I also read that it's actually fine, so I'm keeping it, as I'm thinking it will be good protection from predators who will dig UNDER the coop - am I correct in thinking that? Or should I still put some sort of underground thing, or even get hot wire?

After hand raising the duck (of course I wound up taking care of it, lol), I have to admit it would be very, very hard to come out in the morning and finding either of these guys mutilated. I know I'll have trouble sleeping the first night.

Speaking of that, I've heard of people putting baby monitors in their coop - really? anyone done that?

Thanks!

 

[theoldchick]

I'd get some of that razor wire used around prisons and wrap that coop up real good.

Just Kidding!

Seriously, though, sounds like you put a lot of thought in the safety of your ducks and I don't blame you. I'd use some electric wire around the structure to keep the critters away. The hardware cloth is a good idea, and I wouldn't be bashful about putting it along the bottom with the other wire.

 

[chfite]

I would recommend 1/2" hardware cloth, if you are going to the trouble and expense.

Chris

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Can you post a picture? That might help others to see any potential problems. i do agree that 1/2" hardware cloth over all windows and vent spaces is best. For the floor, i would lay wooden boards over that wire, secure them down. Then put a non-skid vinyl over that for easy clean-up. Shavings are good for little ducks, but i found with my adult ducks that straw works best.

i have a baby monitor outside so i can see what's sneaking around the pens when i am inside. Helps to hear what's going on, too. After you have ducks or chickens for a while, you can tell what kind of predator is around based on the sounds they're making, or if they are just singing an egg song. Aerial predators though, everyone freezes in place and they make no sound at all.

 

[Susanjoans]

Here's my coop (not my chicken, lol). It has a hardware cloth floor, 2"x4", but the walls are 1" chicken wire, and although the builder says he hasn't had trouble, I've learned from here that the way you learn if it's not secure is by losing your flock, so I don't want to take the chance. My guy thinks I'm being overcautious - he says he's never seen a raccoon around here, but there are plenty of possums.
I know I need to supplement the door; but I'm wondering about the walls.

My thoughts:
1/2x1/2" hardware cloth on everything?
Build an extension to the coop part, and lock everybody inside at night?
Add plywood to the bottom few feet of the coop? (but then I can't see them, which is a bummer)?
Do I also need a hardware cloth skirt around the perimeter, even though I've got that 2"x4" hardware cloth floor?

I really wanted to look at getting chickens tomorrow, but I think I'll be patient - I have another duck coming, the same age and size and from the same pair that our current girl is from. I figure I'll let them get reacquainted, spend some time during the day in the coop, then maybe bring them back inside the house at night until I reinforce the coop. But wow, they are so messy, lol.

Thank you all for your help!

 

[goldfinches]

You should wrap the run with 1/2" hardware cloth. The whole thing. Don't worry about putting plywood around it, the wire should be pretty good. Is the floor of your coop wire also, or are you talking about the floor of the run? If it's the coop, I would give it a real floor. I would also give the coop a door, so you can shut it at night, but many people don't. I'm just predator wary.

If you're starting with chicks, you can go ahead and get them - just start them inside the house or garage in a brooder. If you're getting grown chicks and trying to keep them with a baby duck, you're probably wise to wait.

 

[Susanjoans]

I was talking about the floor of the run - the floor of the coop is wood.
Should I do the apron thing around the whole thing?
Was thinking pullets, or bantys, something close to the same size as the ducks.
Give the coop a door and shut the guys in at night? I'm also worried about enough room, and whether the ducks/chickens will be okay being shut together.
Basically, I'm a worrier, lol.

 

[7L Farm]

I was talking about the floor of the run - the floor of the coop is wood.
Should I do the apron thing around the whole thing?
Was thinking pullets, or bantys, something close to the same size as the ducks.
Give the coop a door and shut the guys in at night? I'm also worried about enough room, and whether the ducks/chickens will be okay being shut together.
Basically, I'm a worrier, lol.

Yes, put an apron all the way around it. A human door & pop door & lock them up at night. I don't raise ducks so can't answer that one.I have read that people however do raise them together but not sure about the breeds . Maybe, someone who raises both together can give you a better answer.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i have chickens and ducks and raised them separately. Ducks are super messy (as you are learning) and will make a wet mucky mess out of the brooder in no time. Baby chicks need to stay warm and dry. When they get older, if they are about the same size, it should be okay being around each other. i have all bantams and just one standard size chicken, Penny. She hangs out around the patio and front part of the yard with the ducks during the day, but goes into her own sleeping hutch at night. The ducks are actually a little afraid of her. She has a beak and isn't afraid to use it when it comes to treats.

So, is that a tractor that you will be moving around? If not, then pick good spot and do the skirting of 1/2" hardware cloth, dig down a foot and out a foot. It looks like a good beginning coop and run for chickens, but not sure it will work long term for ducks. For one thing, ducks won't be able to get up that ladder. Also, ducks will need a kiddie pool when they get old enough to swim. A nice set up for your ducks would be a dog kennel style enclosure with a kiddie pool and then a small house for them to be locked up inside at night. i love to use wooden kid's playhouses. You can usually find them on craigslist.

And you are right to be super cautious. Just because that guy said he's never seen raccoons around there does not mean they aren't there. We live in a residential neighborhood and they are out there. My sister lives in San Francisco and she has them in her yard. And actually the people who lived here before us had ducks. Everything was fine for several years then they came out one morning and every duck was slaughtered. That's how things tend to happen - nothing, nothing, nothing, then just when you let your guard down, a brutal attack. So you just can't be too careful.

Anyhow, good luck with your new coop and new additions!

 

[Susanjoans]

Well heck.
I have a small backyard, and now I'm worried that I shouldn't have tried this. I don't have room for much more. I have a kiddie pool already - they swim nearly every day, and roam around the yard. It's outside the run, though. I was thinking of building the ducks an enclosure under the chicken coop part, as I've read they want to be close to the ground to nest. I've also read, though, that they want to roost, so I figured I'd run another perch inside the run.
Maybe I can figure out some way to add on . . . anyone have any thoughts?