Predator/Coop design

[CambriaChicken]

Okay we have now lost two batches of chickens. Let me explain a little and then I will get to ideas I have. We lost a batch last year and then lost a batch this year. We thought we had critter proofed our coop, but apparently not. It is mainly our fault as we have a ramp that we can pull up to lock them up in their roost at night, and of course the nights we forget to do it, get a killed flock. There are gaps in the ramp, so feel that the critter may get in there anyway. However the critter that kills them digs a tiny hole under their coop. We don't know what is killing them. I have read several descriptions of predators on here and based on the descriptions of the killing style, feel that it is either a coon or a fox. It happens in the middle of the night which is leading me to believe it is a coon not a fox. We did not use chicken wire for our coop and have instead used hardware cloth that is tightly woven.

Here are our ideas:
1. Line the bottom of the coop with hardware cloth
2. Line the bottom of the coop with pavers

I don't like either as they won't be able to scratch in the dirt, but I guess at this point its either no scratching or no chickens. Which would be a better solution? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

We dug a trench on the coop/run perimeter and buried 3 foot wide wire cloth 18" deep, giving 18" of extra protection above ground as well. I have also heard of folks stringing hot wire (electric wire) around the perimeter.

 

[centrarchid]

Try setting a rat trap. If rats captured, then start denying them access to stored feed and feed in feeders. Also keep trapping pressure up.