Coop/Preadator Question

[CambriaChicken]

Okay we have now lost two batches of chickens. Let me explain a little and then I will get to ideas I have. We lost a batch last year and then lost a batch this year. We thought we had critter proofed our coop, but apparently not. It is mainly our fault as we have a ramp that we can pull up to lock them up in their roost at night, and of course the nights we forget to do it, get a killed flock. There are gaps in the ramp, so feel that the critter may get in there anyway. However the critter that kills them digs a tiny hole under their coop. We don't know what is killing them. I have read several descriptions of predators on here and based on the descriptions of the killing style, feel that it is either a coon or a fox. It happens in the middle of the night which is leading me to believe it is a coon not a fox. We did not use chicken wire for our coop and have instead used hardware cloth that is tightly woven.

Here are our ideas:
1. Line the bottom of the coop with hardware cloth
2. Line the bottom of the coop with pavers

I don't like either as they won't be able to scratch in the dirt, but I guess at this point its either no scratching or no chickens. Which would be a better solution? Thanks in advance.

 

[Crabella]

Sorry you are having predator issues. Once is hard to take, but twice has to be very difficult. How big a hole are they digging? Have you tried an "apron" of wire around the coop and run? Can you include a sketch or photo of your set up? Your predator could be coon, weasle, skunk, and any number of other critters. Unfortunately now they know there is a 'buffet' at your place and they will check back to see if you have any new entre's for their dining pleasure.

If you can provide a little more info I am sure a number of people will chime in with ideas to help you in your quest to deter your predator.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

There's a long list of predators that can get in there and demolish your flock, you have to fix the problem no doubt! If this only happens when you leave the door open, get an auto door...if they are squeezing in, plug the holes...tiny is relative...one inch is too big, mink can get in that and like to kill everything...if you don't want to fix the coop, let them roost in the trees, at least they can get away then.

 

[little pearl]

Hi , I also have lost 7 baby chicks this year. My husband put up deer fencing to expand our existing coop. The first day I checked the babies,everything was good but I had some apples in the barn for the horses and something got into them. The second morning the babies were gone and a hole was riped in the fencing. There was not even a feather laying around, so what ever took them,carried them away.
We are stumped. We moved the rest of the babies to the garage for now.
Any ideas what would carry chickens away???

 

[moomoodiddy]

i think you should put them in a shed at night or get a dog or gueanie

 

[moomoodiddy]

Hi , I also have lost 7 baby chicks this year. My husband put up deer fencing to expand  our existing  coop. The first day I checked the babies,everything was good but I had some apples in the barn for the horses and something got into them. The second morning  the babies were gone and a hole was riped in the fencing. There was not even a feather laying around, so what ever took them,carried them away.
 We are stumped. We moved the rest of the babies to the garage for now.
 Any ideas what would carry chickens away???

probably a coon they eat anythin and ill get into anythin