Do any predators hunt during the day?

[Annie44]

Even hardware cloth won't stop a determined predator, but it will slow them down. I have windows on my coop that are covered with steel screen covering, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, and reinforced by wooden beams also reinforced by zinc galvanized plated structural hardware flats. I also have motion sensor lights nearby and a baby monitor inside the coop. This isn't the best picture, but I also placed extended baby gates in front of the doors for extra noise to wake me if there is a disturbance. Yes, I know the hazards of keeping a heat lamp in the coop, I was a firefighter for years. The babies are only 7 weeks and there have been some 40 degree nights. I am in the process of building a completely enclosed run. With those things in place, I feel the babies are quite safe. A shotgun can handle what I can't.

Woah. Your babies seem quite safe. Do you think 1" chicken wire is okay during the day if I lock them in the wooden coop at night? Hmmm... Thanks for the answer

 

[kacklinkelly]

Woah. Your babies seem quite safe. Do you think 1" chicken wire is okay during the day if I lock them in the wooden coop at night? Hmmm... Thanks for the answer

Annie - I am not sure how large your chicks are, but mine have been able to get their head through the 1inch chicken wire and almost
lost it when our own dog saw an opportunity. Luckily, I saw it before my one eyed dog did. When I built their permanent home, I chose to use the hardware cloth. It has held up well to our dog and our son's two dogs when they visit and believe me, they are "interested" in chickens.

I am learning from this forum that basically, do what feels right for you and your reason for having chickens. If you have lots and can spare a loss here or there then so be it. If you have a couple that are pets and you use them for your family eggs, then you might make a different choice. All the best.