New member & just finishing my new coup

[mommyondgo]

Hi everyone I am a knew member and we are just finishing the new build on a bigger better coup! My neighbor and I started this inventor a year ago with 4 birds that bedevilled by predators recently. So my hubby build a new better and more secure coup and fenced yard. I will post pics soon. We now have 14 birds (3months old) a mixed flock. Got them at Tractor Supply so I cannot remember what they were, unless spoiled is a breed. Ended up with two boosters, so will see how they get along with 12 hens. This has been very helpful in gaining knowledge and a wish list!
I will try and post some pics of my flock

 

[mommyondgo]

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[iwiw60]

You said in your post that you've been plagued by predators...I see from your pics that you are using plain chicken wire. Chicken wire will do nothing to deter predators...they will tear through it like butter.

 

[mommyondgo]

My old chickens were free range and it was my neighbors dog that got out. I am hoping that keeping them in their yard will make it safer. Also shutting them in at night. I have seen a fox recently so on the look out. I will have to look into other options to back up the chicken wire. What does everyone else use?

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2 on using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. You might like to check out the Coop/Run design forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance and the Predator forum https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests

 

[gander007]

Alright

 

[cabinchicky]

Hello and welcome!! I have welded wire for my fenceing, sides,top and dig barrier. My windows are covered in hardware cloth.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Yes, definitely change out that chicken wire for hardware cloth. Not only can snakes, mice, rats and small birds enter, but things in the night can chew right thru chicken wire. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but you won't regret replacing it in the end.

Enjoy your wonderful flock!

 

[mommyondgo]

I do plan on replacing it eventually, but I am already over budget on my new coup. I just bought the chicken wire and can't replace it yet. I am not 2 worried I am a new member here but my second year with chickens and no problems yet. Wish i would have known about you guys when I started this hobby Because I have learned so much! My previous problems were with free ranging which I am not doing now. At night everyone leaves the fenced runs and sleep in the secure coup.