How do you stop predators from digging under?

[RichardK]

I will be buiding a Turkey run outside, likely starting today. I would still like the earth to be directly below the run but have it predator proof also.
thinking about laying fencing and letting grass grow up between the links, or digging down a bit, how much?
what are your tips and tricks? Thanks

 

[Gallinarium]

Having a floor of fencing works well. You can also put the fence down a couple feet, or have an apron of wire extending outside the run three or so feet.

 

[BelleAcres]

I did a hardware cloth apron around my whole run. I used 3ft width hardware cloth, it, it extends out 2ft and goes up the side of run 1ft. I spread a little soil on the apron and it is now grass that I can mow over.

 

[WhiteWaterLady]

I placed bales of hay all around the coops, except by the door. I put a large dog kennel in front of the door at night. Neighbors have had problems with coons and foxes getting into their coops but, so far (knocking on my wooden head) the varmints have left my coops alone.

I tried straw bales first, but found they moved too easily because they're too light.

 

[RichardK]

I placed bales of hay all around the coops, except by the door. I put a large dog kennel in front of the door at night. Neighbors have had problems with coons and foxes getting into their coops but, so far (knocking on my wooden head) the varmints have left my coops alone.

I tried straw bales first, but found they moved too easily because they're too light.

How wide are the bales? Theory is that they wont dig as far to get under the coop?

 

[RichardK]

I have a large fox who has snagged many chickens, I took a 200 yard shot over a week ago and think I missed, but haven't seen since. She will be back very soon if it just spooked her

 

[WhiteWaterLady]

How wide are the bales? Theory is that they wont dig as far to get under the coop?

I haven't measured them, but theory is 2-part:
1. They won't dig that far, and even better,
2. The bales make it more difficult for them to smell where the strong chicken scent is so they don't really know where to dig.

 

[MROO]

I will be buiding a Turkey run outside, likely starting today. I would still like the earth to be directly below the run but have it predator proof also.
thinking about laying fencing and letting grass grow up between the links, or digging down a bit, how much?
what are your tips and tricks? Thanks

I put a solid concrete barrier all the way around the base of my raised coop and run. It's a lot easier than it sounds! I broke the project into two phases, doing opposite sides together. That made the whole project really easy for one "construction challenged" person. It also allowed me to dig the blind back side a bit deeper.

Step 1. Dig your trench - mine is about 6" wide by 8-10" deep. There is no need for neat, squared edges.
Step 2. Fill the trench about two-thirds of the way with dry, ready-mixed concrete compound. Add water and mix until everything is wet and easily mixed.
Step 3. Keep adding enough mix until you reach the top of your intended barrier, mixing and adding small amounts of water, as needed.
Step 4 - Allow the concrete to cure before covering it with gravel or soil.

NOTE: I allowed the concrete in the trench to "set" overnight. My logic was that the corners would act like sidewalk seams, allowing for weather-shift without cracking the entire set-up. Of course, that was the logic part. Reality was more like I was running out of daylight and my ol' muscles were sore!

 

[Malthus]

I did a hardware cloth apron around my whole run. I used 3ft width hardware cloth, it, it extends out 2ft and goes up the side of run 1ft. I spread a little soil on the apron and it is now grass that I can mow over.

Are you seeing any signs of rust on the Hardware Cloth that is on the ground? Did you use the coated stuff?

 

[BelleAcres]

Are you seeing any signs of rust on the Hardware Cloth that is on the ground? Did you use the coated stuff?

It looks like it has a galvanized coating on it. I have no problems with rust after 4 yrs.