Best chicken coop to keep out predators?

[krm6600]

There are lots of predators where I live, I've been reading up on them and now I'm terrified

There are raccoons, coyotes, hawks and opossums. I was wondering what kind of coop I should get, I was thinking about either a raised coop or a chicken tractor. I don't want to kill predators unless I really have to.. I would rather relocate. Would a dog be beneficial? I have a little dog but maybe a lab or golden retriever? I'm only planning on getting a few chickens (4-6) and I'm not zoned for roosters.

Thank you!

 

[Laughing Raven]

krm6600 -

Definitely a raised coop. It will keep animals from getting to them too easily. Make sure it's very sturdy and that the door is easily locked up. Raccoon's can easily manipulate almost any lock so, if it were myself, I would get some cheap padlocks to lock things up at night.

I would also make sure to bury the wire mesh you surround your coop with, at least, 6 - 12 inches underground to keep predators from digging into the run. The top should also be covered wither with more wire mesh or an actual roof. Roof's are nice because they provide shade in the heat of summer. They are also the strongest thing to keep the flying predators out.

Other than that, keep ALL animal food stuffs locked up and in animal resistant containers. That alone will help keep the rats and mice at bay which are a problem for raising hell with hens and rats steal eggs. Another thing is putting rodent traps out as well as live traps for the bigger predators ( canned cat food is awesome trap bait). You can find out more ways to get rid of predators at your local county extension office. Also, try to keep regular birds out of your coop. They carry diseases and are a big punch in the budget due to the feed they steal from your chickens.

That's about all I can think of. Oh, there is electric poultry fence available at feed stores or online that you can put around your coop and I hear that it can be very helpful in keeping the monsters at bay.

Good luck on building your coop or buying it. Hope I helped in some small way. Have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,
Jodi

 

[krm6600]

Thank you so much, very helpful!