Predator Proof Coop?

[aart]

This thread I made a while back does a good job of showing my setup. The newer coop is not in use.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/walk-with-me-keeping-chickens-in-winter.1276858/

That's a big building to protect!

 

[Cyprus]

That's a big building to protect!

It is not the whole building.

 

[aart]

It is not the whole building.

So predators are getting into coop from outside of building?

 

[Cyprus]

So predators are getting into coop from outside of building?

From outside through the run or from in the barn by tunnelling through the dirt floor.

 

[RonP]

Interesting responses.
Realistically you need to consider your predators.
I have similar predators.

Coop is a solid wood shed, hardware cloth on windows. Open to run 24/7.

Built my run to withstand a 150 pound hungry dog, but not a bear, a raccoon but not a rat.

We do not have bears in our area, rats are controlled with separate measures.

2/3 standard fencing all sides, roof, and skirt.
1/2 hardware cloth, ground level to 4 foot high, attached securely to the fencing on all sides.

Many attacks with zero penetration these last 14 years.

Easy, maintenance free, and secure.

Hope this helps.

 

[IamRainey]

Congrats, RonP, on 14 years of safe and tragedy-free care! Wishing you 14 more!

 

[angela0408]

What would be the spacing recommendation for electric fencing strands? We have the setup and the wires.

Yes, I would be interested in that answer as well. I know that I had 4 strands around my orchard, worked great for bears, skunks walked right through it. First strand was about 6” off the ground.

 

[123RedBeard]

Yes, I would be interested in that answer as well. I know that I had 4 strands around my orchard, worked great for bears, skunks walked right through it. First strand was about 6” off the ground.

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.

 

[Judy Todd]

After suffering several predator attacks lately, I've been revisiting the design of my coop and trying to troubleshoot what I did wrong.

What features and materials would go into making a predator proof coop and run? What kind of predators should the average chicken keeper be worried about deterring?

Here in my area I've encounted almost everything from dogs to bobcats, foxes to skunks. I've made lots of repairs and improvements to my coops to try and stop predators but they aren't working.
The only thing that I've found to hold up for all 6 Years is the 19gage welded wire.

I want your input on what you think should be a part of a secure coop and run.

Thanks in advance,
Cyprus

I know this is going way out on a limb, but have you thought of a Livestock Guard Dog. I was having problems with a fox, bob cat, coyotes and hawks, got a Great Peer and have not lost any chickens since. She lived in the barn and outside 24/7. She died last fall and I am looking for another one now. They are the best at protecting your flock, but be sure and get one that was raised around chickens. There are a few different breeds that are LGD's.

 

[Cyprus]

I know this is going way out on a limb, but have you thought of a Livestock Guard Dog. I was having problems with a fox, bob cat, coyotes and hawks, got a Great Peer and have not lost any chickens since. She lived in the barn and outside 24/7. She died last fall and I am looking for another one now. They are the best at protecting your flock, but be sure and get one that was raised around chickens. There are a few different breeds that are LGD's.

I have 2 huskies and can't get another dog, unfortunately.