Best ways to keep predators away?

[GirlsHuntToo]

You could dig down about 6 or more inches and put the fencing down and bury it. I would also but large rocks on the outside of the fencing.

 

[mxp]

I saw a post yesterday I believe where the neighbor's husky killed all of her chickens. They had 1/2" hardware cloth apron and around the coop but after 5 years of keeping predators out, this dog got in. Even if you think it's overkill, it's nothing you'd want to chance or have to do twice.

 

[mxp]

The dog found a weak spot somewhere.I used the hog wire because it is very strong and the electric fence makes my lot look like fort knox,a 30 mile charger will stop almost anything from getting in.Before I upgraded I had raccoons kill 5 of my birds right at point of lay.I trapped and dispatched 16 raccoons next trapping season..

 

[FAVEROLLES LOVER]

Concerning the apron on a run.....can it be regular chicken wire sine it just deters digging or does it have to be 1/2 in wire mesh, as well??

If a predator can fit it's head through the chicken wire it can also fit it's body through it. No matter where you put the chicken wire above or below the ground. CW is made to keep chickens in not predators out. I found a hole in the center of my run so I used a trail camera in the run. RATS. Snap traps around the coop and runs caught 7 in two nights. Mesh wired the whole coop and two runs. Predators will dig until they find that perfect chicken wire hole only a matter of time. All food and water is put away at night and coop closed till I open it in the morning. I also have motion lights.

 

[Nomadicus]

A few weeks ago we had a fox come and it grabbed all 4 of our silkies, 2 were babies Before we get anymore we want to make sure they are protected. We have installed an electric wire on the top and bottom of our chain link fence now. Should we install something to prevent a critter from digging under? I have also started to see owls and hawks, so we are thinking about putting a net up as well. Any recommendations? Missing chickens badly..

I hope your problems are now resolved. I'm declaring war down here on fox and raccoon both.

 

[McChooky]

I've lost a couple free ranging but my coop and run's predator proof. If you don't want predators getting in cover everything with 1/2" hardware cloth top to bottom like a cage and make a deep and wide apron around the sides.I spent more on hardware cloth than all my other building materials combined .That's the most important part

 

[McChooky]

I saw a post yesterday I believe where the neighbor's husky killed all of her chickens. They had 1/2" hardware cloth apron and around the coop but after 5 years of keeping predators out, this dog got in. Even if you think it's overkill, it's nothing you'd want to chance or have to do twice.

Huskys aren't the kind of dog to get if you want to raise chickens. One mistake and your chickens are killed