Need a new- predator proof coop... help

[Chloesmama]

Hi all-
We have 4- 14 week old red hens that we have had since the beginning and my kids are very attached. We are moving from the city where there are NO predators that can get them and going to be in the mountains, where bears, coyotes, raccoons, and hawks. Our coop now is very cute, but wouldn't even be able to keep out a house cat....

Here are a few other specifics, it can snow in winter (not a ton, but it is pretty cold), and it can get in the 110s in the summer. My husband is very well meaning, but not a craftsman and the coop he made is not perfect and I don't know if I trust his ability to make something predator proof.
We have heard from locals that the hawks will take out the free range chickens, so I think it we will need to create a secure run as well, no free range for our hens. We have them in a small coop and run at night and then let them have our side yard now that is 10X60, so they are used to having some space to play.

Long story short, I don't want them to be eaten and we need an option that is ok for the heat and cold. And I would like to find something somewhat easy to put together, or already put together.

Thanks in advance for any tips or ideas.

 

[iwiw60]

I completely understand your concern for building a predator-proof coop and run for your girls. I personally do not believe in allowing my girls to free-range just because "they're free" ..... boulderdash...

You should visit the BYC forum for building coops, runs, etc.:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Warning! Put on a BIG post of coffee because you will spend HOURS in there looking at all the different coops, etc. ... tons of information!

Wishing you well, and keep us informed of your progress!!

 

[thomasboyle]

I live in an area with bears, coyotes, bobcat, raccoons, foxes etc. I built my coop as predator proof as I could. The run is built with 4x4 posts. and I double walled all of the exterior walls with the outer layer of 2"x4" field fence to keep out the big predators, and the inner layer with 1/2" hardware wire to keep out the small predators. The roof is metal roofing - got sick of the mud and shoveling out the run in winter! Then the chicken yard is surrounded with 48" electric net fence running at 8000 volts. So far this has worked and kept all of the birds safe and sound.

 

[6of6chicks]

I completely understand your concern for building a predator-proof coop and run for your girls. I personally do not believe in allowing my girls to free-range just because "they're free" ..... boulderdash...

You should visit the BYC forum for building coops, runs, etc.:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Warning! Put on a BIG post of coffee because you will spend HOURS in there looking at all the different coops, etc. ... tons of information!

Wishing you well, and keep us informed of your progress!!

Hours? What?? Try MONTHS, lol!

I looked at my *favorite* coops so many times I had them bookmarked. And not just in the Favorites menu - I had them in the Favorites BAR at the top of the screen! Seriously - my coop stalking put all other lurkers to shame, lol!

OP - best of luck! I am SURE you will find many coops you will fall in love with. I can think of at least five offhand for every single qualification you listed. Happy coop planning!

 

[RonP]

I live in an area with bears, coyotes, bobcat, raccoons, foxes etc. I built my coop as predator proof as I could. The run is built with 4x4 posts. and I double walled all of the exterior walls with the outer layer of 2"x4" field fence to keep out the big predators, and the inner layer with 1/2" hardware wire to keep out the small predators. The roof is metal roofing - got sick of the mud and shoveling out the run in winter! Then the chicken yard is surrounded with 48" electric net fence running at 8000 volts. So far this has worked and kept all of the birds safe and sound.

And I thought I was secure....