Keeping snakes out

[curlybird]

We originally ordered a coop online however they keep pushing back when they plan to get stock in, and we have now decided we will build our own coop. Our chicks are quickly out growing the box they are currently in so we need to make one very soon.

We live near a small patch of bush land and have had a dugite or two in our backyard before, im guessing having chickens they will be even more attracted to our garden. The dugites we have seen have been fairly small and would easily fit through 20x20mm chicken wire. I was thinking we could put up some shade cloth along the bottom of the coop to help deter snakes from getting in. However i think that would block out our view of them and their view outside.

Does anyone else have any other ideas of how we could keep snakes out and still have a nice view of our chickens?

Thanks

 

[sunflour]

In U.S. we use hardware cloth, any snake that can get in 1/2 inch squares can be easily eaten by chickens. Don't know what y'all call it there, but I would recommend looking for an equivalent. Hope you figure it out.

 

[Folly's place]

Chicken wire is useless for predator protection! You need hardware cloth with about 1 cm. openings. I don't know what it's called where you live. Think serious security; buried wire or concrete foundation, good doors, and lots of ventilation all covered with hardware cloth. Also a secure run, so times when the birds can't be free ranging, they are still safe and have enough room. Mary

 

[WhiteLeghorn2]

Chicken wire is useless for predator protection! You need hardware cloth with about 1 cm. openings. I don't know what it's called where you live. Think serious security; buried wire or concrete foundation, good doors, and lots of ventilation all covered with hardware cloth. Also a secure run, so times when the birds can't be free ranging, they are still safe and have enough room. Mary

X2

 

[curlybird]

Thanks everyone, i've had a look on our hardware store's website and its called Mouse and snake mesh.. looks perfect for the job!

We want to be able to move the coop around on our back lawn so wont be digging the coop into the ground. We will have an open mesh on the bottom to stop any foxes getting in. I've never seen a fox in our area before but you never know...