Coop Protection

[ChickenMammX4]

Never underestimate a raccoon! We live in a semi-rural area but raccoons are our biggest problem. Our back yard is fenced and we have a large dog BUT, raccoons will get in the back yard and come up onto our screened porch through the dog-door to get at the cat food all the while walking past the sliders with us sitting in the room with lights on. Raccoons are very bold and intelligent.

 

[flyin-lowe]

Back to the original line of defense, I myself would say a raccoon can climb a 6 foot wooden fence. I don't know how they do it but they can climb anything. I have seen the climb up a metal dumpster so if they can grip that then then a wood fence would be no problem. I have a purple martin house that is on a 4 1/2 inch galvanized metal pole. I still have to use a predator guard because I caught one climbing up the pole. So if it was me I would focus on making sure the coop is raccoon proof and just assume they will be able to get to it if they want to.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Your coop is cute, but looks small and unsafe. Six birds will want at least 24 sq. ft. of floor space in their coop, and a larger run, barrier to digging critters, and secure fencing. A repurposed garden shed will work better, IMO. Mary

 

[findlaychickens]

Should have specified, this is a joint project with my boyfriends parents, we will only be keeping 3, and the other 3 will be going to them to start their flock. They will go to them at about 6-8 weeks, and added into a group of the same age so they can better establish a pecking order.

 

[findlaychickens]

We just got them on the 2nd and they were a day old, just waiting on some decent weather here in NW Ohio then I will apply some of these ideas for more security. Thank you all!

 

[findlaychickens]

Also should mention that with the run space under the actual hen house and the pvc run combined the run space comes out to about 36 sq ft. Our ordinances limit us to 50 sq ft, so we didn't want to go too large.

 

[MeepBeep]

I'm actually using dog leash style clasps and loops as locks (I'm a former equestrian so I have more of those laying around than I care to mention

) and they will be in the coop at night.

IMO that might deter a coon but not stop one if they have time to tinker even if that time is spread out over months...

A good rule to obey is that if a 5 or 6 year old child can figure out your lock/latch a coon can as well... Invest in a small combination luggage lock, small price to pay for security...

Also a 6 foot fence is only an inconvenience for a coon, fox, bobcat or coyote that can jump/climb it while other large K9s can dig under don't depend on it offer offering much protection if a hungry predator gets wind of a chicken buffet on the other side...

 

[Ballerina Bird]

I think everyone here has given excellent advice. There are lots of predators in the suburbs, and some of them are really smart. aart's suggestion to either create an apron or bury hardware cloth to deter diggers is a very important one, I think.

 

[MeepBeep]

24/7 dog should help a lot.....

I agree but only if the dog has free access to the entire yard and is actually out 24/7, raccoons can be very patient and will wait for their opportunity...

I have a raccoon that just started to hang out last month and I have not had the opportunity to rid myself of it just yet, anyway that raccoon is fully aware of when the dog is free in the yard, in the kennel or in the house... And if the dog is not free but in the kennel or house he will come in the backyard and roam around with no concerns, even walking within feet of the kennel as the dog goes ballistic on the other side of the chain link...

 

[johnmcclay]

Hello :
I have found that it is important to do everything possible to protect your chickens.
They are very low on the food chain and everything want's a bite of them .In
Washington state we have all kinds of creatures that eat birds, you probably do to.
A little extra caution never hurt , Yours truly and enjoy J.M