Just built a new Coop & want to know how 'secure' to make it.

[percy]

This is our first go @ chickens & we have six 4 week old hens [i hope].
i built a 12x6 run with an elevated platform & 2 nest boxes... obviously, they won't need the nests for a while, but, i'd like to be able to leave them in there @ night with a heat lamp.
we put them in today for the first 'run around' & now i'd hate to put them back in their little box.
we live in North San Diego - so it doesn't get too cold @ night, but i think the lamp will help.
anyway... i still have a few gaps in the coop.
at the very top where the soffits will go, they are open 8" x 24" i doubt they can get up that high & get out, but, i'm wondering what might get in?
& under the door there is a 1" gap - mice maybe? should this coop be fortress tight? or am i over thinking it?
Oh, & i have the bottom of the coop sealed off with chkn wire too.

 

[underground chickenman]

100% secure. It's not them getting out that's the problem. It's predators getting in, and they will. Not only do you need to close the holes, but you need to make sure nothing can dig under any enclosure. All enclosures should be 10-12 inches into the ground or a raccoon will dig under.

UGCM

 

[percy]

Thanks, Fort Knox it is.....

 

[nnbreeder]

The 1 inch gap could let snakes into the coop.

 

[Tala]

Well them getting out at 6 weeks *IS* a problem. At that age they might end up cat food if they escape.

When my chicks were about that age I had one that escaped a lot, and at about the same time one of my cats brought a dead bird into the house! Could have been a chick if they escaped, ya know?

So I wouldn't leave them out in the coop until you get it predator proofed and escape proofed.

 

[LynneP]

Keep 'em in, keep the carnivores out...

some thoughts on this with pics


https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-ThinkWeasel


https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-LynnePs_Run

 

[bwebb7]

is it made from chix wire? chix wire is made to contain chix not keep out predators. they will push thru and kill your babies.
coons will get in by your soffits.
you will need a better wire for at least the bottom 24 inches.
best wishes