My coop is built to be predator proof for our area. It is an open air style coop. We used hard cloth for it and the lower section over the hard cloth is 2 in x 4 in field fencing. On the solid walls we covered with hardy plank (made from cement). My dad is a carpenter and he built it for me. Also, when building we put a 2 ft wire skirt burried around the coop. The coop is 12 ft x 16 ft.
I do free range my birds when someone is home to where they can keep an eye out.
Back when my first wyandottes where about 5 to 6 months old they were all out having fun in the yard. Dad was in his shop with the doors open and I had left to get pizza. Dad got to be the look out person. Well while I was out dad heard a ruckus and ran to see what was happening. A hawk had Una and was desperately trying to pluck her. Good think Wyandottes have enough feathers for 5 more birds cus it saved her. Dad chased away the hawk but by the looks of all of the feathers pulled he thought she was a gonner.
I inspected her when I was told what had happened. Una only had a minor scratch and a bald back for the experience. The rest of the flock became extra vigiliant about large flying objects afterward. I still have Una and I still free range the flock. The chickens are much happier when they get their play time so I feel it is worth the risk.
I did loose Pudding to a hawk because she did not pay attention to the rooster's warnings. Also have lost 1 young chick that was 7 weeks old as it wandered too far away from its Momma and something got it.
We have lots of cover in the yard which the chickens use to their advantage.
My biggest worry and fear is neighbor's dogs. A dog will kill for sport and take out the whole flock if given the opportunity. Dad has chased a few out with the bb gun. They like to harass my goats terribly. We are working on the getting the property fenced to discourage the dogs from coming through. So far we have one side and the back fenced.
I do free range my birds when someone is home to where they can keep an eye out.
Back when my first wyandottes where about 5 to 6 months old they were all out having fun in the yard. Dad was in his shop with the doors open and I had left to get pizza. Dad got to be the look out person. Well while I was out dad heard a ruckus and ran to see what was happening. A hawk had Una and was desperately trying to pluck her. Good think Wyandottes have enough feathers for 5 more birds cus it saved her. Dad chased away the hawk but by the looks of all of the feathers pulled he thought she was a gonner.
I inspected her when I was told what had happened. Una only had a minor scratch and a bald back for the experience. The rest of the flock became extra vigiliant about large flying objects afterward. I still have Una and I still free range the flock. The chickens are much happier when they get their play time so I feel it is worth the risk.
I did loose Pudding to a hawk because she did not pay attention to the rooster's warnings. Also have lost 1 young chick that was 7 weeks old as it wandered too far away from its Momma and something got it.
We have lots of cover in the yard which the chickens use to their advantage.
My biggest worry and fear is neighbor's dogs. A dog will kill for sport and take out the whole flock if given the opportunity. Dad has chased a few out with the bb gun. They like to harass my goats terribly. We are working on the getting the property fenced to discourage the dogs from coming through. So far we have one side and the back fenced.
