Exterior wall protection

[Cie]

I am building my coop inside a horse barn, in an unused stall. I have horses and donkeys....There is one exterior wall that faces a small embankment . For digging predator concerns, I wonder if rocks piled along outside that exterior wall are enough for protection or do I need to put wire fencing under it and cover with the rocks? Thank you

 

[Mvan42]

I am assuming it’s a dirt floor. If so I would put hardware cloth along the ground cover with soil then if you want rocks..

 

[DobieLover]

I am building my coop inside a horse barn, in an unused stall. I have horses and donkeys....There is one exterior wall that faces a small embankment . For digging predator concerns, I wonder if rocks piled along outside that exterior wall are enough for protection or do I need to put wire fencing under it and cover with the rocks? Thank you

No. Any predator will just dig under the rocks. You need the hardware cloth or heavy wire fencing secured to the bottom of the wall then either fanned out over the ground and secured with long ground staples and allow grass to grow up through it or bury it a bit down under soil.

 

[Cie]

No. Any predator will just dig under the rocks. You need the hardware cloth or heavy wire fencing secured to the bottom of the wall then either fanned out over the ground and secured with long ground staples and allow grass to grow up through it or bury it a bit down under soil.

Will do! Thank you!

 

[ColoradoPip]

I put pavers and rocks around a coop and when something tried to dig under, the rocks fell down collapsing the hole beginnings and scaring the animal away. However, if the animal can dig under without it collapsing, then it will.

The apron or buried fence is most secure.

 

[aart]

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[Cie]

Thank you....VA seems to grow rocks...LOL and make MUD. I am going to rake back that banking,attach the wire mesh, cover and pile rocks. Im waiting for the MUD to dry up so I can drive up there.....