- Jun 23, 2010
- 34
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Are the small animals a digginig threat?
Is a two inch soil interval between the bottom wood sill of the coop and run and the top of the buried chain link a concern?
Will a coyote or fox dig under and thru a 2 inch opening?
Trying to get some perspective on what I have read about predators. I have 4 chickens in a modified purina coop with 10 foot attached run. Hardware coth on all sides and 1x1 inch welded wire on run roof. Prior to building I buried galvanized chain link fence fabric in an 18 inch wide border surrounding the perimter of the coop and run. 12 inches outside and 6 inches inside the coop/run. Its about 2 inches below the surface but not attached to the coop/run. I recognize that chicken stratching could expose the inner fence fabric perimeter.
As I see it aerial predators will not be a problem. I don't imagine racoon, skunk, possum and cat are a major digging concern. Therefore fox and coyote are more likely to dig under the fence. We are on a ridge in residential suburbia but our backyard borders a corn/soyfield and orchard that slopes to the south toward a stream. A mile south is a large commercial egg facility. We hear fox and coyote yips and howls on the farm down the hill from us. Our yard is surrounded by a 4 foot chainlink fence which has stopped the deer from passing thru. We have two dogs that have the run of the yard and mark territory and have kept the groundhogs out. I run an uncovered hot compost pile and kitchen scraps (including the things they say not to compost in a cold pile like meat etc) are gone in a few days and have never had a skunk, racoon etc problem with it even when the yard was not fenced.
Just looking for some input or personal experience to similar situations. i recognize that alot depends on how hungry the predator is, timeof year and availability of other food.
Thanks.
Is a two inch soil interval between the bottom wood sill of the coop and run and the top of the buried chain link a concern?
Will a coyote or fox dig under and thru a 2 inch opening?
Trying to get some perspective on what I have read about predators. I have 4 chickens in a modified purina coop with 10 foot attached run. Hardware coth on all sides and 1x1 inch welded wire on run roof. Prior to building I buried galvanized chain link fence fabric in an 18 inch wide border surrounding the perimter of the coop and run. 12 inches outside and 6 inches inside the coop/run. Its about 2 inches below the surface but not attached to the coop/run. I recognize that chicken stratching could expose the inner fence fabric perimeter.
As I see it aerial predators will not be a problem. I don't imagine racoon, skunk, possum and cat are a major digging concern. Therefore fox and coyote are more likely to dig under the fence. We are on a ridge in residential suburbia but our backyard borders a corn/soyfield and orchard that slopes to the south toward a stream. A mile south is a large commercial egg facility. We hear fox and coyote yips and howls on the farm down the hill from us. Our yard is surrounded by a 4 foot chainlink fence which has stopped the deer from passing thru. We have two dogs that have the run of the yard and mark territory and have kept the groundhogs out. I run an uncovered hot compost pile and kitchen scraps (including the things they say not to compost in a cold pile like meat etc) are gone in a few days and have never had a skunk, racoon etc problem with it even when the yard was not fenced.
Just looking for some input or personal experience to similar situations. i recognize that alot depends on how hungry the predator is, timeof year and availability of other food.
Thanks.
