Predator Proof Coop?

[centrarchid]

Think about arranging defenses as layers. Find a way to get your dogs as one of those layers even if not chicken safe.

I use layered approach and split my chickens into multiple groups with particularly valuable birds nested within a core area.

 

[Charliwolf]

Raccoons, opossums, mice, rats, dogs, cats, weasels, foxes, bobcats, snakes, coyotes, wolves. Then from above hawks and birds of prey.

In regards to your coop/run would you mind showing us pics of your previous?

In regards to the things I would say personally. I would prefer a coop/run where it is clear on all 4 sides (this way predators can't hide and work). You can then do perimeter checks on a semi routine basis. I would suggest as you have 19gage welded wire or as some call it hardware wire. Burying the wire around all edges of the coop and run and flaring outward by at least 12". I highly suggest a coop door closer as sometimes work and life prevent you from being there at closing time. Windows done with welded wire. Doors having locks that you know an intelligent predator can't operate (raccoons have high hand and finger dexterity and are intelligent).

I would suggest motion detector lighting facing outward from the coop so that if movement is detected the predator is blinded for a moment and also you have a chance of seeing what's lurking.

I would also put in cameras that record so you can see how the predator is accessing your coop/run. Also it will hopefully see the areas they were hitting so that way you know what other areas to improve.

These are just some of the things I can think of right now off the top of my head if I was having issues with predators.

We have "chicken wite" on the outside of our wire mesh run...30x30...and turned it out and slightly buried 3 feet all the way around. Found one snake and some mice...no rats...otherwise nothing has gotten in...we have a stretched bird net...for fruit trees...covering it...help up by 8 foot tall and 8 feet long...homemade braces. We used 5 gallon buckets with concrete to hold pipe upright...the added 90° connectors and put in a cross pipe going to another upright...cheap and moveable if neccessary. We have never lost a chicken to a predator. Lost one to the pecking order and one to an unknown...no injuries...but none to a predator. The snake ate eggs.

 

[Chickenaddition]

We have "chicken wite" on the outside of our wire mesh run...30x30...and turned it out and slightly buried 3 feet all the way around. Found one snake and some mice...no rats...otherwise nothing has gotten in...we have a stretched bird net...for fruit trees...covering it...help up by 8 foot tall and 8 feet long...homemade braces. We used 5 gallon buckets with concrete to hold pipe upright...the added 90° connectors and put in a cross pipe going to another upright...cheap and moveable if neccessary. We have never lost a chicken to a predator. Lost one to the pecking order and one to an unknown...no injuries...but none to a predator. The snake ate eggs.

I am happy to hear that things are working for you. Just was throwing out Fort Knox thoughts to give ideas especially when someone has already had predator issues

 

[Ghosty]

I am looking into a high tensile predator fence to go around my property to keep my dogs in and critters out. I have been researching for awhile. There are several good university documents online about predator fences. There are many different variations. I like the one with 8 or more strands, alternating ground and hot, the first 5 wires 4 inches apart, as shown in this Arizona university document, https://journals.uair.arizona.edu/index.php/rangelands/article/view/11955/11228. You could energize the third wire up, and leave the bottom two grounded for terrain with more vegetation.

 

[Charliwolf]

We have "chicken wite" on the outside of our wire mesh run...30x30...and turned it out and slightly buried 3 feet all the way around. Found one snake and some mice...no rats...otherwise nothing has gotten in...we have a stretched bird net...for fruit trees...covering it...help up by 8 foot tall and 8 feet long...homemade braces. We used 5 gallon buckets with concrete to hold pipe upright...the added 90° connectors and put in a cross pipe going to another upright...cheap and moveable if neccessary. We have never lost a chicken to a predator. Lost one to the pecking order and one to an unknown...no injuries...but none to a predator. The snake ate eggs.

 

[Charliwolf]

We have "chicken wite" on the outside of our wire mesh run...30x30...and turned it out and slightly buried 3 feet all the way around. Found one snake and some mice...no rats...otherwise nothing has gotten in...we have a stretched bird net...for fruit trees...covering it...help up by 8 foot tall and 8 feet long...homemade braces. We used 5 gallon buckets with concrete to hold pipe upright...the added 90° connectors and put in a cross pipe going to another upright...cheap and moveable if neccessary. We have never lost a chicken to a predator. Lost one to the pecking order and one to an unknown...no injuries...but none to a predator. The snake ate eggs.

I am happy to hear that things are working for you. Just was throwing out Fort Knox thoughts to give ideas especially when someone has already had predator issues

I understand...I was just saying what has worked for us. The cat that prowls the yard and the great pyrenees that barks at the wind is also helpful...

 

[angela0408]

For small critters like that you need a physical fence behind the electric ... just 2' high ... even chicken wire will stop them enough to get them to meet Mr Sparky! Although 1"X3" welded wire would be better.

Oh that’s good to know! I was thinking about using chain link and was contemplating how to use electric. That’s a great help thanks!

 

[Cyprus]

What about pred proof tractors?

 

[aart]

What about pred proof tractors?

Much harder to do, IMO, to make it predator proof and mobile.
I made a hoop coop with hinged anti dig aprons.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hoop-coop-chicken-tractor.72211/
Was challenging to manage on the rough pasture the buyers use it on,
but they only use it for meat birds.

 

[henless]

If you're having predators dig in, you need an apron along the front side of your coop, inside the barn. Then I would put another apron along the outside of the barn in the area where you coop is located. You may still have a predator dig into your barn, but if you have an apron along the front of your coop, it will help keep them from digging into the coop.

You need a sturdier fence for your run. The way it is now, it would be very easy for a fox/dog/coyote/coon to push under the wire. The t posts do not hold the wire down on the ground very well. You need to be able to screw your wire into wood to keep animals from lifting it up. Then I would add another apron, either buried or on top of the ground & anchored around your run.

What kind of wire are you using for your run? It looks like 2x4 wire. Weasels, rats, mice snakes & raccoon hands can easily get into your run. You need to put 1/2" hardware cloth at least around the lower half of your run. It still won't stop mice & snakes, but it will help with the others. You might even want to consider replacing the welded wire on your coop with 1/2" hardware cloth.

Do you have a way to close your chicken door? I don't see one in the pics. You need to close it at night in case something does get into your run.