A.M. Eggs
Songster
Are you having a predator problem and wish to end it? I have a few techniques that I use in my coop and pen that might be of some use.
*Coyotes, Stray dogs, and other large predators*
When creating a run for your chickens, you can use a very thick metal fence material that I found at TSC(Tractor Supply CO.) that I dug into the ground, about one foot, to prevent the predators from digging up underneath the fence. The only problem is that skunks, possums, raccoons, and stray cats and your own chickens were still able to fit throw the fence.
*Possoms, Raccoons, Stray Cats, And your own chickens*
After I put in the thick metal fence, I put a layer of chicken wire on the inside to keep the chickens in and the smaller predators out. In some areas I put extra netting by using wire mesh instead of chicken wire. Inside the coop, the ventilation holes should only be about 3-4 inches wide to not allow these predators to enter your coop. I recommend covering the vents with a wire mesh to keep the mice out.
*Hawks, Owls, and other birds*
I went on amazon and bought a 50x50 aviary net to go over the top of my run. You could also build an entire ceiling above the run, but I found the net to be cheaper.
*If you have a run/coop that you bought online or in a store*
You can protect your birds from any of these predators by either digging down and placing wire mesh under the the perimeter of the run/coop or put that run/coop inside a run that's already predator proof.
*Coyotes, Stray dogs, and other large predators*
When creating a run for your chickens, you can use a very thick metal fence material that I found at TSC(Tractor Supply CO.) that I dug into the ground, about one foot, to prevent the predators from digging up underneath the fence. The only problem is that skunks, possums, raccoons, and stray cats and your own chickens were still able to fit throw the fence.
*Possoms, Raccoons, Stray Cats, And your own chickens*
After I put in the thick metal fence, I put a layer of chicken wire on the inside to keep the chickens in and the smaller predators out. In some areas I put extra netting by using wire mesh instead of chicken wire. Inside the coop, the ventilation holes should only be about 3-4 inches wide to not allow these predators to enter your coop. I recommend covering the vents with a wire mesh to keep the mice out.
*Hawks, Owls, and other birds*
I went on amazon and bought a 50x50 aviary net to go over the top of my run. You could also build an entire ceiling above the run, but I found the net to be cheaper.
*If you have a run/coop that you bought online or in a store*
You can protect your birds from any of these predators by either digging down and placing wire mesh under the the perimeter of the run/coop or put that run/coop inside a run that's already predator proof.