Making the coop safe

[KimH1205]

I live in an area where there are eagles, hawks, foxes, racoons, skunks...you get the picture. I wanted to make the coop and run as safe as possible after hearing some horrible stories. Its an amish built coop with an attached run that is 7X10 and the coop 7X7 is raised so the chickens can go under there when they are out. It all has a roof and is enclosed with 1/4" mess. Coop windows are also covered with mesh. I put down about 2" of dirt and then laid construction cloth (1/4" gauge 23 galvinized mesh) over the dirt and then laid sod over that. Trying to make it hard to dig under and up. Its all going near my house. Is there anything else that anyone can suggest?

 

[BYCforlife]

Sounds very secure already! I think it'll be very safe. Have fun!

 

[KimH1205]

Sounds very secure already! I think it'll be very safe. Have fun!

Thanks

 

[LarryOdom]

I’m in the process of building the run for my chicks now and you make me sound “cheep” (pun intended).
Never thought of putting sod over wire.

 

[staceyj]

Whatever kind of latch you put on the doors make sure they are tight and lockable.

If you use a gate type latch on the door to your run, pick up some carabiners and get in the habit of slipping it though the hole everytime you lock up.
Raccoons are as agile with their fingers as we are. Most latches are easy for them.

Slip carabiner theough this hole. Or padlock of course.

*The chain that goes through that 2x4 has a big ring on the end of it. It’s my emergency escape chain.

Just in case the door swings shut while I’m in there or if I want to close myself in while I’m dealing with something and don’t want everyone to escape back to freeranging until I’m finished.
Didn’t realize I needed that when we added the bigger run. Whoops. Thank God DH was home that day! Lol

 

[KimH1205]

I’m in the process of building the run for my chicks now and you make me sound “cheep” (pun intended).
Never thought of putting sod over wire.

I was surprised at how inexpensive and easy it was..especially since my grandsons did the heavy lifting. Fyi I liked your pun

 

[KimH1205]

Whatever kind of latch you put on the doors make sure they are tight and lockable.

If you use a gate type latch on the door to your run, pick up some carabiners and get in the habit of slipping it though the hole everytime you lock up.
Raccoons are as agile with their fingers as we are. Most latches are easy for them.

View attachment 1743587

Slip carabiner theough this hole. Or padlock of course.

*The chain that goes through that 2x4 has a big ring on the end of it. It’s my emergency escape chain.

Just in case the door swings shut while I’m in there or if I want to close myself in while I’m dealing with something and don’t want everyone to escape back to freeranging until I’m finished.
Didn’t realize I needed that when we added the bigger run. Whoops. Thank God DH was home that day! Lol

Excellent idea...Thanks

 

[aart]

I put down about 2" of dirt and then laid construction cloth (1/4" gauge 23 galvinized mesh) over the dirt and then laid sod over that.

This is under the whole coop and run?!
Sorry you did all that work.
Aprons are easier, cheaper, and less risk to feet of chickens once the dig thru the sod.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I think you did a very good job on that. But I'm sorry @aart, but I put the 1/2 HC on the floor of the run and I've noticed the mice / rats are tunneling under this in the middle of an 8' x 14' run. They haven't breeched the wire, but there are tunnels. Just a little creepy.

 

[aart]

Just a little creepy.

Indeed!
Do you have an apron too?