Coop inside backyard fence?

[Farmer Shell]

Hello,

I am looking for advice on placement of my coop. Initially I was thinking I would have the coop and run set up inside my backyard fence (6’ chain link). But then I thought that might be a bad idea because my dogs hang out in the backyard, and I’m not sure if the chickens would lure predators into the backyard to a degree that they would end up crossing paths with my dogs.

I know predators are inevitable and I plan to make the coop and run as secure as possible, but what I’m imagining is raccoons or something outside at night investigating the coop, I let my dogs out, they go after the raccoons which can’t get away quick enough and then there’s a scuffle.

So my other idea was to set up the coop outside of my backyard fence, still on my property of course but just not encouraging predators to go in my backyard. Right now there’s nothing in the backyard that would really lure predators.

I’m new to this and want to get started off on the best foot possible!
Thoughts? Or won’t make a difference either way? If they check out the coop and can’t get in, will they keep coming back to try again or do they give up and lose interest?

 

[cherrynberry]

Hello,

I am looking for advice on placement of my coop. Initially I was thinking I would have the coop and run set up inside my backyard fence (6’ chain link). But then I thought that might be a bad idea because my dogs hang out in the backyard, and I’m not sure if the chickens would lure predators into the backyard to a degree that they would end up crossing paths with my dogs.

I know predators are inevitable and I plan to make the coop and run as secure as possible, but what I’m imagining is raccoons or something outside at night investigating the coop, I let my dogs out, they go after the raccoons which can’t get away quick enough and then there’s a scuffle.

So my other idea was to set up the coop outside of my backyard fence, still on my property of course but just not encouraging predators to go in my backyard. Right now there’s nothing in the backyard that would really lure predators.

I’m new to this and want to get started off on the best foot possible!
Thoughts? Or won’t make a difference either way? If they check out the coop and can’t get in, will they keep coming back to try again or do they give up and lose interest?

For me, they tend to loose interest. It’s a different story if the raccoon catches a bird though, it will come back for more. I usually close the coop every night, but I did forget 3 times (I know!! It’s risky) and all the chickens made it. We have bobcats here (I saw 2 with my own eyes) and mountain lions. But I find that they don’t come often. I have seen 2 near the chickens in half a year.

 

[Farmer Shell]

For me, they tend to loose interest. It’s a different story if the raccoon catches a bird though, it will come back for more. I usually close the coop every night, but I did forget 3 times (I know!! It’s risky) and all the chickens made it. We have bobcats here (I saw 2 with my own eyes) and mountain lions. But I find that they don’t come often. I have seen 2 near the chickens in half a year.

Good to know thanks! I had a group of raccoons (caught on video!) attacking my compost bin every night until I built a fortress around it... so I know I’ll need to have a fortress of a chicken coop and run. They’re so relentless.

 

[mowin]

Both my coops and runs are inside my 1.5 acre fence. I've got 3 large dogs, and my predator sightings in the fenced in area is very low, except for hawks. I think the smell of the dogs helps keep them away.

 

[Farmer Shell]

Both my coops and runs are inside my 1.5 acre fence. I've got 3 large dogs, and my predator sightings in the fenced in area is very low, except for hawks. I think the smell of the dogs helps keep them away.

Ah ok good point, thank you!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I agree. As long as your dogs aren't the predators you should be good. I have a couple of Shelties and we don't have a problem with predators. The dogs are often outside during the day and I believe the scent of their poop and urine around the property is the primary deterrant. They would not get into a fight with a coyote over a chicken although the older one did once chase coyotes off by barking at them.

 

[cmom]

I have no dogs but lots of predators. I don't free range due to losses from predators in the past. I put electric wire around my nice large pens for which I have a quite powerful fence charger, good heavy duty netting covering my pens and concrete under the gates all due to losses from predators. I also have several game cameras up on my property and most nights, when the predators roam here, I see one on at least one of my cameras. Once a predator gets zapped they don't test the wires again. I think they teach their young that a bird isn't worth getting zapped for. Good luck...

 

[McChooky]

My last coop was a good distance from the house but this one's 20 ft away. It's much easier to gather eggs, clean the coop or check on the chickens with it being close to the house.I leave my dogs inside after dark and they bark if they they hear anything .The biggest advantage to putting the coop in the yard is it deters predators.