Barn Stall Coop floor question

[Sylvyana]

I have a packed dirt floor barn stall that's 10x10 that we are converting into a coop.

I was wondering if 18" of hardware cloth on the floor around the walls (on the inside) will be sufficient to keep predators out. An external apron isn't really something that I can do. It is secured to the walls inside and we have 4" concrete pavers holding it down to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. Would using 2x3 fencing on the rest of the floor be a good idea, or is it just a waste since the holes are so large? (I have some laying around). Should I just go try to find another roll of hardware cloth?

For an idea of predators in my immediate area, I know we have minks and a red fox (I have seen both, which is why I want to be super careful).

 

[cavemanrich]

A few questions.
Has the fox tried to dig into your barn before, regardless of what animals were inside???
The apron on the inside is not very effective compared to outside perimeter. The other bad thing about the interior perimeter, is the possibility of the pavers getting moved eventually, and chickens hurting their feet on rusting hardware cloth.
Mink will try to enter thru small gaps in the doorways, vents, and other narrow gaps. Very much detail need to be taken to secure against them.
If you are totally concerned about the floor being penetrated, maybe you should consider a thin layer of cement over entire area. It does not need to be more than 1 to 2 inches, since it is not a load bearing floor.
Post some pictures of your stall, and we can offer more advice, and Ideas.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Sylvyana]

A few questions.
Has the fox tried to dig into your barn before, regardless of what animals were inside???
The apron on the inside is not very effective compared to outside perimeter. The other bad thing about the interior perimeter, is the possibility of the pavers getting moved eventually, and chickens hurting their feet on rusting hardware cloth.
Mink will try to enter thru small gaps in the doorways, vents, and other narrow gaps. Very much detail need to be taken to secure against them.
If you are totally concerned about the floor being penetrated, maybe you should consider a thin layer of cement over entire area. It does not need to be more than 1 to 2 inches, since it is not a load bearing floor.
Post some pictures of your stall, and we can offer more advice, and Ideas.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

The fox has not tried to get in before, but there were only horses in there. I have sealed any gap larger than half an inch and covered holes with hardware cloth.