Help: I need to build a Fort Knox

[Flawedatdesign]

I had the same problem moved the coop closer to the house and lights. Shot the one coon and no problems since. Live trap might be an option.

 

[quesodano]

I had some fox troubles a while back. I put my dog run closer to the chickens... no more fox. Didn't have to kill it either. i thought about it though.

 

[awalters0815]

As it turns out, it is a weasel that is killing my chickens.

 

[queenbeezz]

When I built my coop I read many posts on this website on building a secure home for my chooks. These are the things I gleaned from the posts and used....

My entire coop and hen house floor has wire under it, wrapped up the sides and covered with 4 inches of sand. This prevents predators from digging under the edges and getting in that way.

Sides and top are also wire, tacked down securely and without gaps.

Inside the coop is up off the ground with wire floors.

All the wire used is one inch squares, not chickem wire. Snakes and rodents can get thru chicken wire.

We have not had any problem in the five years since we built the coop with any predators getting in the chicken house and yard, Our only problem had been hawks while they are free ranging.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

What are you using for wire? I'd make sure you use a wire with small enough openings and check for any small gaps in the coop. Make sure you lock the chickens up early, too. Even a small delay is enough time for an early predator to come out and get in the coop.

I have all openings in the coop like windows and vents covered in heavy gauge 1/2" hardware cloth. This keeps out the smallest species of weasel and rats. It also keeps racoons from reaching through and killing chickens through the wire.

The rest of the coop is wood. It's put together with wood screws, so it can't be pulled apart. Hardware, like hinges and latches, are also attached with screws instead of nails, so they aren't pulled out. Latches should be the type that aren't easily opened by racoons.

Electric wire and a good dog can help, too.

 

[Nako]

Pictures of the coop would help. But what we did was dig down 6"-12" at the base of the run. then we stapled 1/2" mesh strips cut to 12" around the coop leading into the trench. Then we filled in the trenches with the dirt we just dug up. now if critters try to dig in, they meet wire mesh instead of chickens.

 

[awalters0815]

I framed a new coop last weekend. I will be finishing it 10/8. I'll post picks as soon as I can. (assuming I get it done) I went with a smaller hutch style coop for now. I will give it to the rabbits next year and build a larger hen house then. thanks for the tips.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

That sounds like a good plan. I hope you don't have any more losses.

 

[awalters0815]

Quote:
Oh, I don;t think anything will be getting in this coop. its built solid.