Chicken Coop Light

[19marvinn]

I want to put a light in the coop at night to scare away predators but I have 2 questions...

1. Are the chickens going to sleep with this light on at night?

2. Is this even a good idea at all or should I find another predator solution?

Thanks for the help

 

[JanetS]

Find another predator solution.

The best thing you can do is have a secure coop/run. 1/2" hardware cloth is stronger than chicken wire and a better wire to use. We have a lot of bobcats in our area but our chickens have been safe in their pen. Many predators will attack during the day so a light wouldn't be much of a deterrent.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I use 14 gauge 2x4 welded wire on the run. Hardware cloth on coop openings to keep out weasels that fit through small spaces. Hardware cloth is expensive. Dogs and large predators can't chew through 14 gauge wire.

4ft X50ft rolls of 2x4 welded wire can be purchased at local box store (Lowes) for $35. You can cut in half and bury just under sod from pen wall out 18-24 inches to stop digging predators.

Remember the lower the wire gauge number the larger the wire is. Don't settle for 19 gauge, get the 14 gauge. I attached it to run with 3/4 inch washers and 1 inch exterior screws.

Looks like the price went up some- $38 per roll now:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_492387-16418-840192___?productId=50017410&pl=1&Ntt=welded+wire+fencing

 

[lindalouly]

I got some rodent proof mesh that wasn't super expensive for the coop itself... No run cause they are free range chickens with two protector dogs... I saw a person on YouTube put solar lights up around his coop just to increase egg production not as protection of predictors...

 

[lindalouly]

For got to say the only real predators we have around us is raccoons and birds of prey... Dogs and bushes keep them safe from Eagles plus they are large breed hens and the mesh protects the air vents that are around our coop from raccoons at night... They are locked up at night.