Helpful hints for building coops

[Kerry]

Two tips:

1. I had to rescreen my chicken tractor because the 1" hex-type chicken screen would allow our small finches in Hawaii to eat the food.

2. Due to uneven ground I had to chink the bottom rails of my rolling 8' x 12' chicken tractor after each move so as to prevent mongoose from wreaking havoc.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Two tips:

1. I had to rescreen my chicken tractor because the 1" hex-type chicken screen would allow our small finches in Hawaii to eat the food.

2. Due to uneven ground I had to chink the bottom rails of my rolling 8' x 12' chicken tractor after each move so as to prevent mongoose from wreaking havoc.

Chicken wire is not very good at keeping predators or stray dogs out. I would love to see a picture of your tractor!

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

Two tips:

1. I had to rescreen my chicken tractor because the 1" hex-type chicken screen would allow our small finches in Hawaii to eat the food.

2. Due to uneven ground I had to chink the bottom rails of my rolling 8' x 12' chicken tractor after each move so as to prevent mongoose from wreaking havoc.

Do you have problems with rats too?

 

[Andy-K2]

since the snake episode....
shield the chickens from predators while on the perch

Guys, Im in the UK so excuse my no doubt well known question. What snakes and what predators do you have going for your birds. In the UK I cant think of anything other than foxes and mites going for our birds? Maybe a few hawks but we don't have any like these in the area that I live? Would be very interested to hear what you guys and dolls are dealing with over the pond? (Im sure this would have been posted many times and if so I am truly sorry for it to be listed again)

 

[User395221]

I've heard mention of skunks, racoons, bears, mongooses, weasels, alligators, bobcats, as well as domesticated "critters" like dogs and cats. I'm sure it varies by area, but there are a LOT of critters out to get our american feathered friends.

 

[NancyNurseCxMama]

Guys, Im in the UK so excuse my no doubt well known question. What snakes and what predators do you have going for your birds. In the UK I cant think of anything other than foxes and mites going for our birds? Maybe a few hawks but we don't have any like these in the area that I live? Would be very interested to hear what you guys and dolls are dealing with over the pond? (Im sure this would have been posted many times and if so I am truly sorry for it to be listed again)

I am in the lower Hudson Valley in NY---about 60 miles from NYC.
We have coyotes, foxes, raccoons, weasels, mink, skunks, the occasional black bear, wandering dogs, feral cats, and aerial predators (tons of red-tailed hawks, great horned owls). Mice, rats. Snakes that will go after the eggs and young chicks.
My neighbors have lost quite a few free-ranging chickens and ducks. One neighbor is very upset, the other doesn't really give a flying fart.
I have Fort Knox-ed my run and coop to the best of my ability and don't free-range. I would love to but I can't bear the thought of any of my girls being ripped to shreds.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Yeah, we have black bears, coyotes, racoons, possums, king snakes, hawks, vultures, owls, and who knows what else. I really want a game camera. We are quite remote and live on a river. Lots of deer and rabbits to feed predators but they will all eat domestic animals if they can.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Another dreadfully humid day. Hoping to finish painting the coop and perhaps get the flooring installed.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Time for lunch. I painted the back of the shed and put a second coat on both sides. After lunch i hope to finish the roof support boards around the edges. Anyone else working on their coop in the steamy heat?

 

[lovin life]

Use a staple gun to attach chicken wire (or hardware cloth, which ever you prefer) and then cover it with a 1 inch width trim board so you cant accidentally poke yourself.

Careful if you just use staples to secure the chicken wire or mesh because racoons can rip it off. We've learned the hard way to use screws with washers.