Extra precautions for keeping raccoons OUT!

[blondietwostep]

My husband and I finally put together our coop yesterday and it is adorable. We placed it on top of a cement slab we already had in our backyard, not being used. It measures 68" X 68" and the coop is 66" X 43". My husband decided to drill down into the cement an anchor type bracket so predators cannot lift the coop. It will also save us from digging a trench around the coop to install the hardware cloth down a foot. ALAS, I won't have to do this!! I am middle aged and want this project to be as simple as possible as well as protective enough. We will also drill holes in the cement for any drainage after washing. I will place 19 gauge hardware cloth around the entire coop and run, but I won't have to place it into the ground at all! I was starting to get discouraged from reading all about the raccoons and how very smart they are with chickens. I almost gave up the entire idea of having hens, eggs and a coop. It seemed too much hassle and work, just to make it safe from predators. WE have raccoons, possums, owls, skunks and a red tail hawk living in a nearby tree. I will not get my hens until I am positive I have protected them enough from their enemies. Let's hope this cement idea works, I am sure it will!

 

[JanetS]

Sounds like you've done a good job. Hardware cloth is what we used for our coop and run. We've had no problems with predators and we have a lot of raccoons in our area.

 

[liz9910]

That sounds like a really good plan, and also

 

[cknkids]

We build on an existing concrete pad for the same reason. We put sand on the concrete to protect their feet and so far love it. Enjoy