Keeping Out Predators!

[Carwile Chicks]

Mornin'!
After choosing a coop for the number of chickens I decide to have (5), I will place it in a pen area (10 x 10) with a secured roof. Please offer ideas on how to keep predators from getting in. Thanks!

I live in South Carolina

 

[CluckerFamily]

Hardware cloth is a better choice than chicken wire.
Chicken wire does what it says, just keeps chickens in but it doesn't keep predators out.

 

[Matejka]

Welcome to byc!

Good ideas.
I have questions. How big is coop? After you put it IN pen how much pen space will there be?
What kind of 10x10 enclosure? Chain link, hardware cloth, chicken wire (no).
Is there a possibility of coop outside run, securely attached?
Does pen have a floor? Wire, wooden?
If not you will need an apron (hardware cloth buried around entire pen, to prevent predators from digging under.
Please put some pictures of your setup and what you are attempting. Many knowledgeable people willing to help.
Read the forums, especially on coops, runs

 

[Matejka]

Hardware cloth is a better choice than chicken wire.
Chicken wire does what it says, just keeps chickens in but it doesn't keep predators out.

Did I miss something in op post? I didn't see a mention of chicken wire?

 

[Carwile Chicks]

Hardware cloth is a better choice than chicken wire.
Chicken wire does what it says, just keeps chickens in but it doesn't keep predators out.

Should cloth be placed on the sides on the bottom of the pen? if the application is the bottom, how do you rake the area clean?

 

[Acre4Me]

An apron of HWC extending at least 18” or more beyond fence perimeter to deter digging predators. Go up the sides of the fence too. Grass grows thru the HWC on the ground, so won’t be obvious.

 

[Carwile Chicks]

Welcome to byc!

Good ideas.
I have questions. How big is coop? After you put it IN pen how much pen space will there be?
What kind of 10x10 enclosure? Chain link, hardware cloth, chicken wire (no).
Is there a possibility of coop outside run, securely attached?
Does pen have a floor? Wire, wooden?
If not you will need an apron (hardware cloth buried around entire pen, to prevent predators from digging under.
Please put some pictures of your setup and what you are attempting. Many knowledgeable people willing to help.
Read the forums, especially on coops, runs

Thx for the great questions. I will take pics and post once I have everything.

 

[Carwile Chicks]

An apron of HWC extending at least 18” or more beyond fence perimeter to deter digging predators. Go up the sides of the fence too. Grass grows thru the HWC on the ground, so won’t be obvious.

Thx!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Did I miss something in op post? I didn't see a mention of chicken wire?

There was no original question about chicken wire, just the mention that OP chose a coop and asked how to keep predators out. Hardware cloth is something that helps keep predators out compared to chicken wire. And adding an apron helps with keeping predators out.

 

[LJHC]

I agree with the hardware cloth (1/4 inch). I have it on the sides and the bottom.
Good luck!