Can you help me predator proof this coop better?

[Crazy Maizie]

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

You can use a battery charged or solar charged electric fence energizer.

 

[Hootrvil]

You can use a battery charged or solar charged electric fence energizer.

I just found out there is such a thing...I'm seriously considering that route.

 

[aart]

Check the latches, the ones that come with them are usually not raccoon proof.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I just found out there is such a thing...I'm seriously considering that route.

I used a DC energizer for yrs. We just got electricity hooked up out there. The only issue with the DC and solar energizer is that you need to keep your wire clear of grass or debris. It runs down the battery faster. I always kept 2 batteries - one fully charged for when the other ran down. Winter weather also seemed to drain the battery energy.

 

[Hootrvil]

Check the latches, the ones that come with them are usually not raccoon proof.

Absolutely ---the latches are a joke. Don't know where my brain was when I made this coop purchase!

 

[Yakisugi Coop]

We recently lost two pullets because a raccoon (at least we assume it was a raccoon) ripped the siding panel off one of these store bought coops. We were holding the pullets in there temporarily before introducing them to the big coop. I don't know if I have any solutions/suggestions for you, but just be aware that that's possible. (Our old coop is going to the dump and I've already built a new secondary/quarantine coop that's predator proof.)

 

[Hootrvil]

We recently lost two pullets because a raccoon (at least we assume it was a raccoon) ripped the siding panel off one of these store bought coops. We were holding the pullets in there temporarily before introducing them to the big coop. I don't know if I have any solutions/suggestions for you, but just be aware that that's possible. (Our old coop is going to the dump and I've already built a new secondary/quarantine coop that's predator proof.)

That's sad! I've got the whole coop surrounded with 6' fence and adding a skirt of hardware cloth, too. I'm hoping that will prevent coons from getting in....finishing the gate portion. I'm putting in hardware cloth under the gate portion, too so they can't dig under and get in that way. Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[aart]

That's sad! I've got the whole coop surrounded with 6' fence and adding a skirt of hardware cloth, too. I'm hoping that will prevent coons from getting in....finishing the gate portion. I'm putting in hardware cloth under the gate portion, too so they can't dig under and get in that way. Keeping my fingers crossed!

What kind of fence?
Is there a mesh roof on it?
6' is nothing to a raccoon.

 

[Hootrvil]

What kind of fence?
Is there a mesh roof on it?
6' is nothing to a raccoon.

The top will be fenced, too. Almost like a large cage with a skirt of hardware cloth.

 

[RedHillChicken]

I agree with aart, any fencing with openings larger than 1/2" is not going to keep raccoons from reaching through and catching one of your chickens. Yes, they make chicken wire with 1"-1 1/2" openings, but it won't prevent predators from grabbing your chicks. 1/2" hardware cloth all around is the safest bet.