Can't stop pests from getting in.

[Hanathehappyhen]

I am having trouble keeping chipmunks and other small wild birds from getting into my coop. I have tried to seal with chicken wire but they still find a way to get in. Does anyone have any ideas to stop them? Because they eat and drink my birds food and water and might be transferring diseases. Please give me dome ideas!
Thanks.

 

[Welshies]

Chicken wire is ineffective both against birds and predators. Use 1/4" hardware cloth.

 

[chickens really]

Your Coop and Run needs to be totally predator and rodent proof..Are they getting in during free range time and door is open?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I am having trouble keeping chipmunks and other small wild birds from getting into my coop. I have tried to seal with chicken wire but they still find a way to get in. Does anyone have any ideas to stop them? Because they eat and drink my birds food and water and might be transferring diseases. Please give me dome ideas!
Thanks.

Can you post pictures of the places that they’re getting into your coop?
Use 1/2”x1/2” hardware clothe instead of chicken wire to seal the holes.

 

[Beer can]

I have the same problem cause I just use chicken wire and usually have the main door open them free ranging. I found little birds and chipmunks don't seem as interested in the feed when it's fermented and I ferment the feed most of the yr.
They do make and you can make pest proof feeders. Homemade designs use a big container (bucket/garbage can) and 4" pvc pipe the chickens put their heads in to get at the feed. Another design I've seen for sale is a feeder the birds step on a treadle to open the feeder which eliminates pest thievery.

 

[ShiftyShickens]

this link above may help getting rid of the four legged vermin if the fort can't withstand them. good luck! the birds though, im at a loss. good luck

 

[Beer can]

this link above may help getting rid of the four legged vermin if the fort can't withstand them. good luck! the birds though, im at a loss. good luck

I have one in our basement and one in the garage (that one with some antifreeze in it in winter), works great for mice. I just used a coat hanger and beer can, even a plastic water bottle will work. Peanut butter sticks good. Seems like when you get rid of them they don't come back, haven't caught or seen one in a couple yrs.

 

[chickencheeper]

this link above may help getting rid of the four legged vermin if the fort can't withstand them. good luck! the birds though, im at a loss. good luck

However that doesn’t work with chipmunks, I’ve tried it and they just jump out

 

[Cryss]

Chicken wire is meant to keep chickens in, not keep predators out. It is easily ripped by raccons and such and the holes are big enough for rats and weasel types to pass through. You need 1/2 inch hardware cloth.

 

[staceyj]

Your first line of defense should always be hardware cloth to protect against food raiding and even more importantly, predators.

I am wondering what method you use to feed your chickens.
Do they fling food all around?
Do you have a hanging feeder, or some other low waste style feeder?

Just hanging your feeder so that the food is at the chickens' chin height or just a smudge lower saves a ton of food from being wasted.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and birds come in the daytime.

But rats and mice generally come at night.

You didn't say what you're doing at night so if you don't have one already I'd suggest that you invest in a metal trash can meant for storing food. They aren't terribly expensive ($15) and are available at feed stores, Walmart, Home Depot,lowes etc.

If you are leaving food out you are hosting an all night buffet for freeloaders.
Take your feeder out when the chickens go to roost and lock it up. Put it back out in the morning.