Building a coop with pesky foxes

[BenJackson]

I'm going to be building a coop. But the problem is my wife is persistent on raising free range, while I think it is a horrible idea because we have foxes all over the place where we live. Our neighborhood is called Fox Meadows, if that gives you any idea.

Is there a way to make a huge fenced in area and have these chickens free ranged? How big should I make it?

We're talking 20 chickens.

 

[LynneP]

Well, you're right.
You'll need to confine the chickens, some ideas in our run page below. A run does not need to be small, it all depends on what you are starting with.
But foxes are the most clever predator you will ever fight...so go strong, and be aware they dig and climb...

 

[BenJackson]

Thank you. If I were to confine them, how much space would they need and still be 'classified' as free range. I know it's more one than the other, but....

 

[ther00ster'scr0w]

I live in an area with mountain lions running around (who unfortunately got my pet goats), bobcats, foxes, and coyotes and so free range chickens was certainly not an option!
My coop is roughly about 15ft X 20ft, and large enough for us to walk in. it is completely covered on the top, and we have chain linked fence draped off of the sides into the ground, about 3 feet or so and buried. When I am home and have some time, I go out and let them free range while watching them.
Just what I did to protect my chickens, and so far it has worked!

 

[ubumartin]

Please have your wife reconsider... I had three beautiful buff orpingtons...A fox wiped them out in about a half an hour. ( I actually saw the fox) I now have 3 more and I will never ever leave them out to free range again. I have a dog kennel that we move around the yard. I watch them closely and have not had a problem. The coop has a covered pen with a chicken wire floor covered with dirt to allow them to scratch around in. My husband warned me but I didn't listen. Well I listen now and have learned a very big lesson. Especially if you invest the time and money and emotions into the chickens, why would you want to risk losing them.

 

[LynneP]

Why not raise these birds as 'free run'. It's a legitimate way of raising birds, and many eggs are sold as being from 'free run' hens.

Give as much room as you can afford and use the side of the coop to minimize structural costs...15 sq ft per hens is a reasonable guide.

 

[sashurlow]

The general rule around here is 4ft per bird for coop space and 10ft per bird for run space. So a 10x8 coop attached to a 10x20 run or something like that...