fox proofing the chicken run

[smschulze04]

I am expecting our first 4 week old's next week and am trying to finish the run. We have repurposed a metal swing set using the frame for our run and building out the middle section into a square so we can add a door to get in. The coop is inside the run. Still trying to figure out how to build a fox-proof door. We are using hardware cloth but due to a rocky yard, we cannot bury it more than a few inches. In 15 years we have seen coyotes, but not foxes- until last week! Any ideas on how we can keep foxes and other predators from digging under or squeezing through a door into the run? Very new at this and don't want to lose any chickens of course.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

Congratulations on getting your new flock.

The Learning Center has a lot of good information about predators (range, method of kill, prevention, etc.). Here is a link to take you to the page about fox:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/red-fox-chicken-predators-how-to-protect-your-chickens-from-foxes

Trapping, electric fencing and a guard dog sound like good ideas. It's also a good thing your run will be covered on top, that will keep them from entering the run from above.

Good luck to you with your new birds.

 

[drumstick diva]

Rather than digging down to bury wire - you can lay pieces on the ground as an apron around the run - have it extend about 18" out from the perimeter. Cover with rocks., gravel, / or let grass grow through it,

 

[smschulze04]

Thankyou!going to try the apron around the perimeter and see how that goes.