I live in the city and am planning my coop/run

[MaLoTu]

I am trying to figure out what I can use for fencing. I am not sure if we really have predators beyond hawks, cats, and MAYBE raccoons (big maybe). I have three large dogs, so we don't get bothered too much by these types of nuisances. Obviously, the dogs could be seen as potential predators. I don't plan on them being a threat.

What are the most common predators that manifest in a city/urban environment?

I want them to be protected, but I don't want to use ultra, high grade fencing material when the threat seems to be pretty low.

Any ideas? I have never been through this before.

 

[cavemanrich]

You don't include your location, so let me just give some general guidelines. Northern part of US. urban predators are raccoons opossums, and hawks. Southern US would also add snakes, maybe weasels, or mink. Rats are everywhere, but generally not so dangerous. Cats normally don't bother adult chickens, baby chick beware. they are like uncooked chicken nuggets. Coyotes can be, but are more rare in urban settings. Chicago has them, but in small numbers, so danger also low. Remember that many of these predators are nocturnal. If your coop is pretty secure, then your chickens are safe. Chickens will be in bed before nocturnal predators roam. Daytime raptors like hawks do need to be considered. A run that is fenced in is ideal. The top of the run should be protected as well with netting, or tarps. Not everyone is in position to provide such. If you at least provide minimal protection with some tarps from overhead, the chickens have a place to hide. If your chickens have bushes into which they can run into, that is also good. Post more of your specific plans or desires of coop or run size, as well as area available . Many here will be glad to offer good advice.
WISHING YOU BEST.

 

[MaLoTu]

You don't include your location, so let me just give some general guidelines. Northern part of US. urban predators are raccoons opossums, and hawks. Southern US would also add snakes, maybe weasels, or mink. Rats are everywhere, but generally not so dangerous. Cats normally don't bother adult chickens, baby chick beware. they are like uncooked chicken nuggets. Coyotes can be, but are more rare in urban settings. Chicago has them, but in small numbers, so danger also low. Remember that many of these predators are nocturnal. If your coop is pretty secure, then your chickens are safe. Chickens will be in bed before nocturnal predators roam. Daytime raptors like hawks do need to be considered. A run that is fenced in is ideal. The top of the run should be protected as well with netting, or tarps. Not everyone is in position to provide such. If you at least provide minimal protection with some tarps from overhead, the chickens have a place to hide. If your chickens have bushes into which they can run into, that is also good. Post more of your specific plans or desires of coop or run size, as well as area available . Many here will be glad to offer good advice.
WISHING YOU BEST.

I am in Northern California, the SF Bay Area.

My main thing is that I do not want to have to lock them up every night. Their coop and run will be together and both will have a roof. Also, since I live in the city, we don't have farm-type stores here. All my supplies will come from home depot or lowes ... will a wire fence from those retailers be secure enough?

 

[Kraftcrazychick]

I am in Northern California, the SF Bay Area.

My main thing is that I do not want to have to lock them up every night. Their coop and run will be together and both will have a roof. Also, since I live in the city, we don't have farm-type stores here. All my supplies will come from home depot or lowes ... will a wire fence from those retailers be secure enough?

Home Depot does carry wire fencing. They usually keep it out in the garden area by the bagged sand and stones. Most members recommended 1/2 opening welded wire fencing.

 

[Folly's place]

Hardware cloth, 1/2 inch openings, VERY well secured, everywhere there's an opening. You will need a more open air coop, because ventilation is most important. Many of us have learned the hard way that you can't build too strong or too large!!! Mary

 

[OEG Lifer]

Keep in mind rats. 3/4" hardware cloth is small enough to keep them out. Are your dogs outside all night where they would hear a commotion? If not make the yard very secure. Run the hardware cloth out from the run a couple feet underground to make an L shape, that will prevent diggers.

 

[MaLoTu]

Keep in mind rats. 3/4" hardware cloth is small enough to keep them out. Are your dogs outside all night where they would hear a commotion? If not make the yard very secure. Run the hardware cloth out from the run a couple feet underground to make an L shape, that will prevent diggers.

My dogs are not out all night. I will be putting the chicken wire on the floor of the coop as well. We do not have much open space in our area where rats would typically live, but I don't know for sure they wouldn't be a threat ... they must be everywhere!

 

[OEG Lifer]

The reality is that where there is feed, you get rats. Perhaps not where you are? My coop is rat proof but I was keeping scratch in a sealed plastic bucket in my shed. Around two years in they showed up, chewed the lid apart. Now I use a glass jug with a metal lid, haven't seen any signs since.

 

[MaLoTu]

The reality is that where there is feed, you get rats. Perhaps not where you are? My coop is rat proof but I was keeping scratch in a sealed plastic bucket in my shed. Around two years in they showed up, chewed the lid apart. Now I use a glass jug with a metal lid, haven't seen any signs since.

Yeah, I am sure they are around here somewhere. Luckily (cross my fingers/knock on wood) I haven't had any troubles with mice or rats with our dog food and it is literally just in the bag in the garage! Just to be safe I will look for the 3/4" wire.

 

[rhino1]

I have purchased everything for my coop/tractor from home depot at this point. 1/2 hardware cloth is what I just picked up today. I may end up double fencing mine, I might run some chicken wire on the inside of the wood and the 1/2" hardware cloth on the outside. We have all the predators listed below here in southern GA