Deck Opinions?

[catobsessed]

So my humble area got hit a bit hard by Hurricane Zeta, and well, we pretty much lost two coops. My dad is building two new above ground ones, and wants to line the bottom with chicken wire... But I’m worried that a raccoon could break in, even though it’s off the ground. Is there something similar to chicken wire he could use? Or a good way to raccoon proof? I already lost one to a neighbors dog during the storm, my heart can’t take anymore losses due to predators.

 

[black_cat]

Hardware cloth. But I'd really recommend a solid bottom with bedding, as it's much easier to clean and better for their feet.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Hardware cloth. But I'd really recommend a solid bottom with bedding, as it's much easier to clean and better for their feet.

x2

 

[black_cat]

Wait...by 'line the bottom' do you mean to enclose the part of the coop under the run, or use the wire for the floor? I'd still use hardware cloth either way, but knowing which you're going for would be helpful.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Wait...by 'line the bottom' do you mean to enclose the part of the coop under the run, or use the wire for the floor? I'd still use hardware cloth either way, but knowing which you're going for would be helpful.

I had assumed they meant as a floor, but that is a very useful distinction to make

 

[CluckerFamily]

I lined the underneath of my coop with hardware cloth just to be safe. It is stronger than chicken wire. I didn't put hardware cloth on the dirt below the coop, just under the bottom of the coop floor.

 

[catobsessed]

I had assumed they meant as a floor, but that is a very useful distinction to make

Sorry that’s what I meant!

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Sorry that’s what I meant!

No worries! Just might make a difference in what you should use

 

[black_cat]

Sorry that’s what I meant!

I definitely would not recommend using any sort of wire as a floor. It will be gross and difficult to clean, as well as bad for the birds' feet.

 

[catobsessed]

Hardware cloth. But I'd really recommend a solid bottom with bedding, as it's much easier to clean and better for their feet.

No im totally with you. My dad is really stubborn and thinks this is the smart way bc the poop will fall through the wire. It’s going to have a second floor for them that will have solid flooring.