Do I need a predator apron if my coop is sitting on cinderblock foundation?

[Gertie Greenbriar]

There not chewers, but mice are, and a weasel will exploit any hole a mouse or rat creates. Especially if said hole goes into your coop.

I see weasels in my area frequently. Fortunately, i built my coop and run to combat the critters. I've just now have seen mouse droppings in the coop. Time to go over the entire thing to see if there's any chewing going on.

They are relentless it seems like! So for hardware cloth for the predator apron, would you reccomend 1/4in or 1/2 squares?

 

[mowin]

They are relentless it seems like! So for hardware cloth for the predator apron, would you reccomend 1/4in or 1/2 squares?

I like 1/2" . Heavier gage. Look for GAW, Galvanized after welding.

 

[Gertie Greenbriar]

I like 1/2" . Heavier gage. Look for GAW, Galvanized after welding.

Great thank you! I just found some at a local store, 1/2 galvanized 24inx100ft for $110, which isn't too bad. I think I could predator proof the whole thing with that much.

 

[Folly's place]

Rats invaded my coop a few years ago, through those foundation and floor cracks, and killed three nice pullets, and ate a lot of eggs, before we fixed the situation.
Also, don't have any cavities in the walls, like we did, filled with insulation, and then rodent nests.
Mary

 

[Gertie Greenbriar]

Rats invaded my coop a few years ago, through those foundation and floor cracks, and killed three nice pullets, and ate a lot of eggs, before we fixed the situation.
Also, don't have any cavities in the walls, like we did, filled with insulation, and then rodent nests.
Mary

Good to know! I had thought about putting 4x8 plywood over the walls for a smoother surface, but I'd hate to provide a haven for rats!!!!

 

[Gertie Greenbriar]

I like 1/2" . Heavier gage. Look for GAW, Galvanized after welding.

Alright, got the GAW 1/2 hardware cloth, thank you again for your advice!!

 

[Gertie Greenbriar]

I was thinking of using a cutoff wheel on my angle grinder to cut the HC. Is this a decent method to use? Thanks!

 

[mowin]

I was thinking of using a cutoff wheel on my angle grinder to cut the HC. Is this a decent method to use? Thanks!

Will work just fine. Wear safety goggles.

 

[Gertie Greenbriar]

Will work just fine. Wear safety goggles.

Okay great. I think using some sort of scissors would get tiring to be honest. And will do, we love safety here!

 

[mowin]

Okay great. I think using some sort of scissors would get tiring to be honest. And will do, we love safety here!

There's a thread about cutting HC. Check it out. Lots of great ideas. It's in the coop section as well.