Can you help me predator proof this coop better?

[Hootrvil]

I bought this shameful little coop, adorable, but fragile, for my Polish so they could be separated from my main flock. I had extra 6' fence I've put around it and have it set up so that I can open the coop door and it will lead into the metal run with the top over it. I don't have daytime predator issues except for hawks because my dog is out. But at night I'm worried about raccoons primarily. I've got hardware cloth and will be skirting the 6' fence portion and probably part of the hardwire run.
Suggestions on where else to use the hardware cloth? I really don't want to lose them and this is all I have to work with right now. Thank you!

 

[sourland]

Hotwire is a great mammalian educator/deterrent.

 

[nuthatched]

I'd honestly take that metal run back if possible, I don't think it would stop a hawk.

 

[Hootrvil]

Hotwire is a great mammalian educator/deterrent.

If I had electric out there, I'd be all over that....

 

[Hootrvil]

I'd honestly take that metal run back if possible, I don't think it would stop a hawk.

You think a hawk could get them in the covered metal run?

 

[sourland]

If I had electric out there, I'd be all over that....

I'm not positive, but I think there are solar/battery powered systems.

You think a hawk could get them in the covered metal run?

A hawk or hawks working together can get birds flying against the fencing and actually grab them through the gaps in the fence. I had an instance where Great Horned Owls were beheading/killing pheasants that way.

 

[Hootrvil]

I'm not positive, but I think there are solar/battery powered systems.

A hawk or hawks working together can get birds flying against the fencing and actually grab them through the gaps in the fence. I had an instance where Great Horned Owls were beheading/killing pheasants that way.

Good grief that's horrible! I have looked into the solar fencing....that may be the perfect option. Thanks!

 

[RedHillChicken]

I bought this shameful little coop, adorable, but fragile, for my Polish so they could be separated from my main flock. I had extra 6' fence I've put around it and have it set up so that I can open the coop door and it will lead into the metal run with the top over it. I don't have daytime predator issues except for hawks because my dog is out. But at night I'm worried about raccoons primarily. I've got hardware cloth and will be skirting the 6' fence portion and probably part of the hardwire run.
Suggestions on where else to use the hardware cloth? I really don't want to lose them and this is all I have to work with right now. Thank you!

1/2" galvanized hardware all around sides and top. Skirt around the bottom with 1'-1 1/2' flat on the ground to prevent digging. That will assure no predators can get in. I have seen a snake be able to slither through the 1/2" HC, so if there is a danger of snakes put a 1' - 2' run of 1/4" hardware cloth around the bottom.

 

[Hootrvil]

1/2" galvanized hardware all around sides and top. Skirt around the bottom with 1'-1/2' flat on the ground to prevent digging. That will assure no predators can get in. I have seen a snake be able to slither through the 1/2" HC, so if there is a danger of snakes put a 1' - 2' run of 1/4" hardware cloth around the bottom.

Thank for this....I know how the next few days are going to be spent!

 

[RedHillChicken]

Thank for this....I know how the next few days are going to be spent!

I did correct the width of the skirt on the ground to 1' to 1 1/2' on the ground. Sorry.