Cold and predator proof coop design help

[Colleenboyce]

Hi everyone, we just got 8 chicks and we live in Colorado at about 8900 ft. We have seen every predator on our property at some point in the last eight years (bears, mountain lions, coyotes, fox, weasels, bobcats, hawks, etc). I’m looking for advice on predator proofing our coop as we begin designing it. I know I want a walk-in coop with a place where we can hang with the girls in the winter, and a covered run. Free ranging will only be happening while we are out in the yard. My biggest concern is with the electric fence. I know we need one but we also have 2 little kids (3 years and 8 months) so keeping them safe is important. I’d love to hear your favorite parts of your coop or any advice you have. Another concern is with keeping them warm in the winter. I understand that ventilation is super important and keeping it airtight is not an option so I plan on having super large eaves with hardware cloth and a few windows. I have researched this so much and would love the hear the opinions of real people! We plan on having a “cluckingham palace” that can eventually get sectioned off for goats next year. Also what are your favorite items for your coop that make your life easier. This has been the plan for awhile and we are excited to be taking the step. Our girls (let’s hope they are all girls but......) are SO sweet!! We have 2 australorps, 2 buff Orpington, 2 Easter eggers, 1 red star, and one black star! I’m so excited to connect with others and learn from you!!!
Colleen

 

[cavemanrich]

My biggest concern is with the electric fence. I know we need one but we also have 2 little kids (3 years and 8 months) so keeping them safe is important.

Totally understand your point,,, but let me assure you it can be done safely, and correctly.
The easiest of course is the fact,,, that most of the predators will arrive at night. You simply energize the Hot Wire fencing when you and your family is sleeping. You can opt for a timer operated electric ON----OFF.
If you posted some pix of your desired location/spot , where you will be building, we may be able to offer more options/advice.
I think, a well fenced in run,,, energized, with a coop inside run area would be best.
That is the best and easiest way to set up the electrified perimeter.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[mowin]

Welcome to BYC..
In the article section, there's a ton of ideas on coops and runs. You may see one you really like, or take ideas from several of your favorites.
Good luck.

 

[Percheron chick]

Easiest way to to put your fence charger on a timer. Bear can easily rip the door off the coop so there needs to be additional security there as well. All feed including feeders at night needs to be stored in the house. We've all seen what a hungry bear can to a Subaru for a measly candy wrapper!
Join the Colorado thread as there are a few members from up in the mountains that have this same issues.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My biggest concern is with the electric fence. I know we need one but we also have 2 little kids (3 years and 8 months) so keeping them safe is important.

The electric circuit is not under a constant charge. The current pulses, maybe 50 times a minute. If it were constant you would not be able to let go. That could be very bad. But since it pulses you or a critter will not only be able to let go but will kind of be repulsed. The shock will knock you loose. You have to brace yourself for it to be able to hold on. When a coyote, dog, or bear gets bit, they very quickly learn it's not pleasant and aren't going to risk it again. Your two little critters would be the same way. Getting bit won't harm them and the should quickly learn it's not pleasant.

But there is an exception to that, one I think you should be aware of. If a critter gets tangled up in that wire where it can't let go, the pulsing shock will sort of paralyze it. I use electric netting so tangling is easier. I've seen three snapping turtles tangled in mine, they are so slow. When I got them out two of them walked away, eventually. The other died. No telling how long it was trapped. I've seen a few frogs caught, always dead. One time a possum got tangled up in it. The electricity isn't what killed it, that was a shovel. But it was caught and immobilized. So if you use electricity, and with bears and mountain lions I would, be careful to attach it in a way your little ones cannot get tangled. And really watch that 8 month old as they grow and get more mobile. If your 3 year old is anything like my kids or grandkids were the only way they will learn to not touch it is to touch it.

I know that sounds cruel but it reminds me of a story. When my nephew was two his mom was telling him, don't tough that, it's hot. That was the stove, her cloths iron, her curling iron, things like that. One day when she let her hair curling iron heat up, he got it and tried to curl his hair. He wound up with a nice 2nd degree burn on his forehead. After she calmed him down he very solemnly went to the stove, where she kept her iron, all those places, pointed at them and said "hot". He then understood.