I need to stop reading

[ridgefire]

I keep reading all the horror stories here about their flocks being killed by various predators. Now I'm worried about if my flock will be safe.

My coop is built on a concrete slab, so digging under wont be a problem.

The walls are built out of OSB and 2x4s, The OSB has weathered a few years so its not in the best shape.
I am how ever in the process of adding vinyl siding over the OSB, How much of a barrier vinyl siding is I don't know.

Inside the coop I have wood planks running along the floor, and then I have 4x8 sheets of hardboard 1/4 inch thick.

To get into the coop you have to go through the main barn, there is no outside access to the coop.

Now how to seal the door.
There is about 1 inch gap from the door to the concrete.

I plan on locking the pop door every night, and making sure the inside door in secure.

But the question is am I doing everything to keep unwanted out?

I suppose something could always chew through the wall, but how long would it take to get through vinyl siding, 1/2 OSB, fiberglass insulation, 1/4 hard board. I would hope what ever did it would be full by that time and wouldn't want the chickens.

Am I being too paranoid?

 

[Wolf-Kim]

You could always buy a traps, one weasel size and one coon size. Just keep the traps constantly set outside the coop, I would "think" that a coon would go for a trap before taking the time to chew through a wall. Just my opinion/suggestion.

Sounds like you have a really good coop though!

-Kimberly

 

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

Not to worry - sounds like you have done your home work

We all go threw this.

One morning this winter I got up early looked out the window on my way to the bathroom
Only to see the big double dorrs to the mini barn Open.

I ran from the house screeming in my bare feet and flimsy nightgown in freezing snow to
get to my preciouse babies. THANK GOODNESS nothing had found them They were cold but fine.

I don't know what I would have done if they had been Killed by something in the night.

Melanie - View 400 + Silkie Pictures @
http://www.picturetrail.com/flufnstuffs

 

[panner123]

It sounds like you are safe. UNLESS, you have a bear problem. Most of the smaller predators can chew wood products up with no problem. Before I put up any type of siding, I would cover it with a good wire product. If you are still worried, install an electric fence. AND STOP WORRYING.

Or you could buy a shotgun and stand guard over them all night.

 

[12 Acres]

Yes, STOP reading and enjoy your birds! You did your homework and that's all you can do.

 

[kstaven]

You do read about preditation on this forum. But if you think about 9000 members and the #'s of chicken they have, the actual losses are very small. We have all sorts of predators and our birds free range. From the description of your coop you have little to worry about.