Coyote-Proof Coop

[4 the Birds]

A coyote cannot go through a chain link fence so this is more than fine. A cheaper solution would be woven wire fencing and 4x4 posts. This is what we use. It is much better to build a secure run/coop than to think that you can eliminate the predators as they come.

 

[Triple Willow]

I've had a 2X4 inch welded wire dogpen and I have had chainlink dogpens. Personally I prefer the chainlink because it lasts a long time, you can move it around, add to it, haul it, sell it, etc. I wouldn't buy a new chainlink pen but I have bought used ones pretty reasonably priced.

 

[emalin]

Thanks so much for all of these quick responses. I was planning to have a chain-link cube, with hardware cloth on the sides, since we are out in the forest with predators coming from all directions. I focus on the coyotes because they seem to be the ones responsible for the problems here. Never thought about coyodogs. I haven't seen one as we're fairly new here, but neighbors say the coyotes are as big as wolves/deer. I didn't know that bears get into coops too! We have one of those in the neighborhood too, though s/he is well mannered and doesn't even get into garbage. I love the medieval tack wall idea, and if it wasn't for the two year old would totally go there.

Expense is an issue, but I imagine it is cheaper in the long run to do it right the first time. I never thought of starting with a dog run as a frame. I also didn't think about hot wire on a timer, which sounds safe enough.

One more question, I really like the idea of open air chicken houses (with very strong hardware cloth over the windows), but they don't seem like the most secure option. Do you think that's an option for us with our predator situation? We have everything--fox, racoon, hawks, snakes. . . Looking forward to making decisions and getting down to building! Thanks again.

 

[emalin]

The coop, whatever design, would be inside the cage, of course.

 

[perchie.girl]

I want to add in another thing. Again I dont know your location or how remote you are. But loose dogs are much much worse than Coyotes for predation.

Dogs will chase and kill and find another then chase and kill till the whole flock is dead. They may take one or two chickens. So you need to ask your neighbors how it is thier flock was taken. Did they have bodies to clean up or was there nothing left but a few feathers. They will do the same for sheep and goats if they are big enough dogs.

If it is dogs you can get animal control involved.

Bob cats will take them one at a time night after night.

Me.... I Personally have no problems knocking off a predator. But If you look at the predators habits To me its good Permaculture practices to "train" the local predator your fences bite. They will go elsewhere to find easy food and yet retain their territory. What that does is keep that niche filled so another predator doesnt come in and have to be dealt with all over again.

deb "Whos dealt with Moutain lion, Bob Cat, Coyote, Raccoon..... AND dog packs"

 

[Triple Willow]

@emalin... "Usually" hardware cloth on the windows will work if you be sure to secure the edges so coons can't just peel the hardware cloth away and get in. I've never had a predator problem except dogs. Perchie Girl is right, a dog will just go on a killing spree and wipe out your whole flock in minutes. More than one dog is even worse. Usually they just kill the birds and leave them laying. I saw one post on here where pitbulls tore through hardware cloth and fiberglass to get in a coop. Since you already have a bear in the neighborhood I would strongly consider the electric fence to get him trained from the very start. Also don't keep your feed close to your coop or leave extra feed in the coop. From what I have read bears are usually attracted to the feed first.

 

[Aberhallo]

I've heard good things about the electric fencing, but putting a dog run around the coop might be a good idea as well. You can get roofs for those too, which will help keep birds of prey out.

You will never be rid of coyotes, so shooting them won't work. They are survivors and can increase litter size when needed and will migrate to fill areas with voids in populations. Best thing is to figure out a way to peacefully co-exist, they are here to stay.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

I have a coop that has thwarted countless attempts at entry by coyotes; I've never lost a bird that was locked up to them. I used 14 gauge 1" X 2" welded wire for the coop and run and I have an anti-digging apron made from 14 gauge 2" X 4" welded wire surrounding the run and coop. It seems like the new coyotes attempt to dig in, but generally give up after being stopped by the apron. Once they learn they can't dig in, they tend to check the perimeter and move on. A covered run is also essential to keeping coyotes out. We have hardware cloth over the welded wire around the exposed areas where the chickens roost to prevent things from grabbing them while they're sleeping. You can see more details on how I predator proofed my coop near the bottom of "my coop" page.




Apron around coop and run:

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

Very nice pen Gallo...

 

[LindaB220]

I have a coop that has thwarted countless attempts at entry by coyotes; I've never lost a bird that was locked up to them. I used 14 gauge 1" X 2" welded wire for the coop and run and I have an anti-digging apron made from 14 gauge 2" X 4" welded wire surrounding the run and coop. It seems like the new coyotes attempt to dig in, but generally give up after being stopped by the apron. Once they learn they can't dig in, they tend to check the perimeter and move on. A covered run is also essential to keeping coyotes out. We have hardware cloth over the welded wire around the exposed areas where the chickens roost to prevent things from grabbing them while they're sleeping. You can see more details on how I predator proofed my coop near the bottom of "my coop" page.




Apron around coop and run:

Good job!!! That is some serious protection. What is the metal roof made of.and where can I buy it.