Need help with predator proofing

[Rainbowdahling]

Attaching the hardware cloth to the frame if the run for the apron and up? Zip ties would be my suggestion but I don't have a run like that so I can give previous experience advice.


Yes, take the door off, make a wood frame and reattach. You might have to add wood to the run for attaching. Again my run isn't wire piping so no real life experience advice, just thoughts on what I would do

Thank you!

 

[Rainbowdahling]

Rebar wire works great for attaching hardware cloth to metal frames. It's strong, durable and inexpensive.

Thank you!

 

[Folly's place]

That is a small coop, your birds need a lot more space, especially in bad weather, or when a predator shows up.
Mary

 

[Rainbowdahling]

most protection (vs things short of a bear) hardware cloth on any opening larger than 1/2". If budget is an issue and you're mainly concerned about raccoons reaching in, then hardware cloth up the bottom few feet of the run only.

For the coop, any doors/hatches that open should have a 2 part latch, like a hasp with a carabiner, or a latch that locks shut (i.e. padlock).

Very good visual of an apron install here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

You have a couple of options with the door. I use hardware cloth on the frame and the door so that when it closes, the layers of hardware cloth sandwich on top of each other:
View attachment 3239699

A similar effect would be the one described here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...der-2020-version.1529488/page-7#post-25809665 Or you could fill the gaps with wood as previously mentioned.

Do you just have hardware cloth towards the bottom? I have 3 foot high rolls so I'll do the bottom initially and then go up higher when I have the time/funds to do so.
Thank you!

 

[Rainbowdahling]

Yes planning on another one.

 

[Alagirl]

Do you just have hardware cloth towards the bottom? I have 3 foot high rolls so I'll do the bottom initially and then go up higher when I have the time/funds to do so.
Thank you!

not Rosemarythyme....
my rolls were not quite 3 feet wide. I bend a portion over and had about +/- 2 feet to put on the ground as apron. the other part I secured to the side of the run. I do have a prefab run though, with metal mesh sides. And one roll covered one side with a little overlap.
I am somewhat confident that my dogs are the prime ground predators, so I added an electric fence around the edge. Otherwise I'd be wrapping at least one more course of hardware cloth around the run.

If you look through the articles on coop building, you will get a lot of good points.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you just have hardware cloth towards the bottom? I have 3 foot high rolls so I'll do the bottom initially and then go up higher when I have the time/funds to do so.

Yes I only have hardware cloth up about 2-3', so my run is not predator proof but as the coop is entirely inside it and closed up at night, it's pretty predator resistant at night.

 

[Rainbowdahling]

Yes I only have hardware cloth up about 2-3', so my run is not predator proof but as the coop is entirely inside it and closed up at night, it's pretty predator resistant at night.

Gotcha, thank you for the info!

 

[Rainbowdahling]

not Rosemarythyme....
my rolls were not quite 3 feet wide. I bend a portion over and had about +/- 2 feet to put on the ground as apron. the other part I secured to the side of the run. I do have a prefab run though, with metal mesh sides. And one roll covered one side with a little overlap.
I am somewhat confident that my dogs are the prime ground predators, so I added an electric fence around the edge. Otherwise I'd be wrapping at least one more course of hardware cloth around the run.

If you look through the articles on coop building, you will get a lot of good points.

Thank you! I will look into it more so I do it all right.

 

[A little Daffy]

Hi Rainbowdahling!
I just purchased a coop and it looks just like yours only smaller. I'm trying to figure out a way to attach it to an old dog kennel that's about 8x15. I have started applying wire cloth around it and plan on putting it across the top as well. I was having a problem trying to figure out how to attach the kennel to the coop where the ramp door slides out so they will be secure and can go in and out. I like your idea with the white frame you made around the ramp door. My coop is scooted all the way up to the kennel but it still needs to be attached in some way.
Also, my future ducks/chickens will only be in the coop at night or if they desire to go in during the day. There's only two small vents plus the windows. Will this be enough ventilation if the windows are open?