FT. Knox predator proof

[tarajane]

OK, ok, I'm serious as a heart attack here. I want the most predator proof coop I can manage to build. I have a barn and I can make pens on the inside for my fowl. BUT everything and its mother can come in. Mice, Rats, Weasels, Mink, Possums, Coons, Bobcats, snakes. I know you all can come together and find a solution to chicken buffet every night. I want it and I want it NOW as Sig says. Please help. Pictures are better than reading. But I can read I just like to look at pictures. Thank you

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Hardware cloth:

better than chicken wire for ventilation/windows/fencing.
PS this is not my pic.

 

[thomasboyle]

I have a double fence around my run. My framing is 4x4 posts. Attached to the outside is 2"x4" field fencing. This stops large predators. I once caught a bobcat trying to get in. He bent up the fencing a bit, but did not get in. Then attached to the inside of the 4x4 is half inch hardware wire. There is a 3.5" gap between the two fences. Every night I go out and make sure everyone is inside the coop itself, I don't want them sleeping in the pen - why tempt fate. I have never had a loss when the chickens and ducks are locked up inside the coop or in the pen. All of my losses were when they were out in the yard. Then I added electric net fencing from Premier 1, and I have not had a loss in 3 years.





And I have plenty of predators around...

 

[JanetS]

Bobcats/raccoons have tried many times(3 times in one day) to get our chickens but our chickens have been safe in their coop/run. We love 1/2" hardware cloth.








Secured windows.

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

The only way to improve on what has already been said would be to upgrade that 1/2" hardware cloth to 1/2" rabbit cage material. The rabbit cage materials are heavier gauge and smoother, with better welds, it is also more expensive.

That said, I have 2 x4 fence wire on outside and 1/2" hardware cloth on lower inside of run and the windows. Eave vents have metal bug screen on outside and 1/2" hardware cloth on inside.

 

[Folly's place]

I don't have bears (yet!) so haven't added electric fencing to the outside, but my coop has been safe, and this spring I rebuilt the run area. Fully roofed, hardware cloth and solid walls, 2"x4" woven wire around the bottom 4'. All attached with fence staples, and 1x4' boards screwed in over the seams. Built on an old concrete foundation. Security!



It's still unfinished and unstained, but so nice! Mary