how long it takes for predators to dig and get thru?

[chirpchirp]

hi, was wondering how long it takes various predators (racoons, fox, coyote, etc) to dig under a fence to get chickens? any info and experience would be greatly appreciated. i've got 25 chicks coming in june and am trying to perfect the coop and make it as safe as possible. the coop is located directly next to our dogs kennel, so i am hoping her presence will deter any would be chicken killers to begin with..... any stories? thanks

 

[xtremevermonter]

That is a good question. I'm sorry I don't have the answer, I would like to know myself. However in preparation I have buried the chicken wire 1' deep and lined the bottom of the trench with broken glass (beer bottles) to help deter any diggers.

Anyone have any experience with predators digging?

 

[trekster78]

I once had a raccoon dig under a 6 foot tall fence and up through the inside of my coop. Don't know how deep the fence was but the coop was sitting along the fence about 1 foot out and it didn't take long for them to do that. I ended up putting a wood floor on the bottom of my coop.

 

[aidenbaby]

Well, let's put it this way. I have a 75 pound dog (yeah, he's fat) that could dig down 1 foot in about 3 minutes tops if he was motivated. Fortunately, he doesn't get the urge to do so very often. I'm guessing that hungry wildlife would have the motivation to do so faster.

 

[Boyd]

waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy to fast. Bury wire in the ground to deter predators. Some electric fencing is always fun.

 

[columbiacritter]

I watched a coon dig down about 8 inches and slide easily under a fence in under 4 minutes.

 

[chirpchirp]

wow! i guess i better beef up my security!

 

[Bridget399]

I burried my fence and put some rocks down in with it before I back-filled...
We'll see how that works on a few weeks.