Keeping out predators

[10_is_enough]

Hi folks! I've looked through this forum and the predator forum...getting all sorts of different answers...we are building a coop this weekend and would like to know the best place to start in keeping predators out. Should he dig down and put chicken wire? Any other ideas would be great. We are in N WI, so apparently there is quite a bit out there!

 

[bryan99705]

Don't waste the time and money on chicken wire, you'll get your heart broken when a coon walks right thru it.

Don't bother digging, attach one side of the skirt to the run base and let it lay on the ground (about 18") it will disappear into the grass, you can mow over it, and you can move the run if needed. Be sure to top the run with wire as well as being sure the lower 12" of the run(about chicken height) is a tight weave fence to prevent a coon from reaching thru and pulling a chicken out, piece by piece.

If you have a big enough run, think about setting the coop inside the run or against one side for egg and cleanout access. This reduces the worry of wiring the coop and the birds can go out when ever they want or even, if you give them a outside roost bar, roost outside on hot nights

 

[10_is_enough]

So nothing will try to dig underneath to get at them? Like weasels and foxes? And if not chicken wire, what type of wire is the best to use?

 

[10_is_enough]

FYI found the answers. Thank you so much!!