I didn't use hardware cloth.

[Ursuline Chick]

Yes. The birds have not yet suffered from a predator attack. I know one day they might, but really the most likely predators are the local coyotes, and I'm fairly confident the fence will keep them out, so I sleep well most nights. I do get up and squint into the darkness when I hear the coyotes close. @Ursuline Chick I do not sleep with the window open, but did specifically position the coop where I can see it from a window, I totally understand!

We have coyotes in our area as well. But none have come in the yard that we know of. DH swears it's because he pees in the backyard from time to time. And the coyotes figure someone is marking their territory and stay out.

 

[PirateGirl]

I think my worse problem is going to be raccoons on the ground and Hawks from the air.

I'm attempting to build Fort Knox. I will let all know how that goes...lol

Raccoons are tough because they can climb and they can reach through! Good luck.

 

[jonalisa]

I know that most people who preach the need for hardware cloth do so because they suffered losses and subsequent regret. From that experience i can see how they would feel compelled to warn others not to make the same mistake. I'm grateful for the advice and have never had to suffer the same loss. That said, it usually comes from a good place.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I think my worse problem is going to be raccoons on the ground and Hawks from the air.

I'm attempting to build Fort Knox. I will let all know how that goes...lol

You have to do what is best for you, your family and your hens.

 

[llombardo]

Raccoons are tough because they can climb and they can reach through! Good luck.

I know I'm using 1/4 inch hardware cloth along the bottom 3 ft. I might even do so on both sides. I'm considering rolling the excess out do if climbing they will hit it half way up. A friend of mine also made a prototype coyote roller which I'm thinking about putting a couple inches out from the top all the way around do if they grab it(which they would have too) it would roll and they would fall backwards.

Just a couple ideas I'm tossing around here. I have t found a solid material to use around the bottom as of yet, so they can't reach in period.

 

[Kiki]

We have coyotes in our area as well. But none have come in the yard that we know of. DH swears it's because he pees in the backyard from time to time. And the coyotes figure someone is marking their territory and stay out.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I've watched fox snatch birds right in front of me. Caught a mink in my barn in the middle of the day. Stomped his tail and shoved him in a cage. Found birds hollowed out inside their chicken wire room inside my barn.

I ultimately got rid of all poultry because I couldn't take that, it was stressful and made me sleepless.

Now that I'm back in I'm trying to build down to weasel proof because I sure have them.

Some sleep well. They don't take it that hard. I think that's great actually to be a bit more relaxed than I am.

I'll continue to recommend hardware cloth but I sure don't judge anyone who makes a different choice that works well for them.

I don't think anyone does, it just gets said lots because some folks getting into chickens really have no clue that Mr. Racoon and his buddies are out there craving nuggets! They need to know the safest thing in case that's what's right for them.

Your birds are lucky to have you. Keep doing you.

 

[oregonkat]

I went solid Fort Knox after suffering several bear breaches ) no, not britches!!). Lost almost my entire flock the second time and decided that building the Fort was the only way to maintain my flock. My 'growing on' brooder has hardwire cloth to keep the blasted weasel out.

 

[llombardo]

My other option which is plan B

 

[Birdsong 82]

We use 2”x2” galvanized wire (same stuff as our goat fence) and then layered with chicken wire and run 1’ strip of hardware cloth on the bottom with some buried for diggers. We connect with fencing U nails to a 4x4 and then screw 2x4 on the other side so all the fencing is sandwiched between the wood. Along sides and bottom. It’s about 8’ tall and use nylon poultry netting on top that’s secured the same. I have seen and heard raccoons and other creatures of the night plenty but chickens all there and safe in the morning. Before we did that we had a loss and vowed NEVER again!