Hardware cloth for under new coop?

[lakeontariochicks]

With all the talk about rats in coops, I thought maybe husband and I could help prevent problems before they start.

We have the plans for our coop, concrete blocks on the ground then floor joists and floor go on top of those.

Has anyone ever put hardware cloth down first before building the floor? Maybe laying it down on top of the blocks, then after the floor is done, bringing it up the sides and stapling it?

Is it strong enough that rodents won't chew through it?

I really, really don't want rats in there!

Thanks!

 

[Gonzo]

I'd do it! I'm building our second coop, and I'm going to do just that. We have this aweful mouse problem!

I hate going out in the coop at night! I know they're in there, but I alway jump!

 

[teach1rusl]

I would think it would work, although I didn't (just plywood and vinyl floor) and have had no problems with rats or mice. I think if you don't store bedding or feed in your coop (unless in metal container), and keep the coop clean, you wouldn't have to worry about rats anyhow, unless they're just really bad in your area???

 

[Schroeder]

I put styrofoam insulation between the floor joists, and then stapled hardware cloth to the bottom of the joists. This keeps the chickens from the styrofoam, and the rodents from the floor.

 

[maizie]

Schroeder's plan sounds really good. I lived in a town in NC for a few years and one year the animal control decided to pick every cat they could in our neighborhood (a mill village from the early 1900's) A year later the rats were everywhere and bold. They chewed through my cpvc plumbing for water and attacked one of my chickens. They love chicken food too.
I now live in the country and never see a rat.

 

[lakeontariochicks]

I think I'll try it. We're out in the country and more likely to have problems with skunks and possums, but I guess it would keep everything out!
Thanks guys!