Authentic Woods KD (Knock Down) 10' by 16' Coop Build

[Ted Brown]

A picture taken from north east of the coop; makes it look like I live in a forest, many trees around but generally my property seems more open than this.

From yesterday showing metal roof panels on back.

 

[Folly's place]

Love it!
Mary

 

[Ted Brown]

My BIL went out around 8PM to check on the ladies, he wears a head lamp for convenience. He noticed 2 beady "reflectors" off to the side that then moved to the bench in front of the coop. Raccoon. When I looked this morning the HC on the front were bowed out slightly...

This is at least the second time that we know one has been around although guessing it/they are back every night.

So far construction/protections have worked.

 

[aart]

My BIL went out around 8PM to check on the ladies, he wears a head lamp for convenience. He noticed 2 beady "reflectors" off to the side that then moved to the bench in front of the coop. Raccoon. When I looked this morning the HC on the front were bowed out slightly...

This is at least the second time that we know one has been around although guessing it/they are back every night.

So far construction/protections have worked.

Yikes!
Might want to add some...thing.
Heavier mesh on the outside?
More screws to the HC?
Did you get screws into the second row of holes on the HC?

 

[Folly's place]

We have 2"x4" woven wire over the hardware cloth, all stapled in and with 1"x4" boards over that screwed in. I also worry about big determined dogs, and this should stop them too. Woven wire is stronger than welded.
Mary

 

[Ted Brown]

Yikes!
Might want to add some...thing.
Heavier mesh on the outside?
More screws to the HC?
Did you get screws into the second row of holes on the HC?

We re-did all windows with more washers/screws and then power nailed around all frame trim through the hardware cloth. A mix of 1st and 2nd row of holes on HC.

Now seriously thinking electric wire and toasted critter noses, seems like the best all round defense system.

 

[Folly's place]

Electric fencing is terrific, when set up properly, and on all the time.
Premier1supplies has good information, experts on the phone, and good stuff to order (for chickens too). @Howard E has excellent information here.
We have it here for the horses and cattle, and can run it around the coop if necessary, as when bears arrive.
Mary

 

[aart]

Now seriously thinking electric wire and toasted critter noses, seems like the best all round defense system.

Yeppers......don't you also have bear and 'wild cats'...and probably other serious preds?

 

[jthornton]

Now seriously thinking electric wire and toasted critter noses, seems like the best all round defense system.

Electric fence is my first line of defense and it gets tested on a regular basis. Get a really hot charger like one rated for 25 miles of fence. Mine is a 1 joule low impedance charger and it makes a 1/2" spark. The few dogs that have touched it really yelled while leaving the property hot and fast. One down low for small critters and a couple more up high works well for me.

JT

 

[Ted Brown]

Yeppers......don't you also have bear and 'wild cats'...and probably other serious preds?

Yes.

We have bear commonly in the area but not commonly seen. Also coyote, fox, raccoon, fisher, mink, weasel, several raptor species, cougar (but rare) others that that I have forgotten no doubt.

Enough to worry about seriously.