Predator proof our coop

Gilliannas1973

In the Brooder
Jul 25, 2020
7
7
11
St. Paul, Minnesota
Hello BYC! I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. We are building our coop this weekend and have a few questions about predator proofing. We live in the city and have a big(ish) backyard for our area. We have seen raccoons in our neighborhood and would also like to keep out dogs and small animals like mice and voles. I would very much appreciate opinions on the following plan. We really do not want to lose any chickens to predators! We only have 5 babies and a chicken massacre sounds very traumatic for children to have happen in their small city yard.

Our coop is 4x5' and our run 4x9'. The coop is raised and so the chickens will access the space under the coop for a run also. We live in Minnesota (not sure how that affects things but just being diligent in explaining all the facts..).

Our plan for predators:
- bury 1/4" hardware cloth under the entire coop/run
- have an apron of hardware cloth 18" outside the coop/run
- use welded wire fencing for the sides of the run (along with that layer of hardware cloth)
- install 1/2" hardware cloth as screens for the windows so that we can open the windows during the day (the windows will be made of wood/glass)
- the run will have a roof
- use locks or caribeeners on all doors


More questions:
- If we bury the hardware cloth under the run how far down should we go in order to keep the chickens from digging into it? We don't want anyone to have hurt feet.
- Is there something we can do to save money but still be effective against predators?

I would appreciate any feedback people have. I've learned so much from this group already! But I am def. a newbie here in the chicken world.
Thank you !


IMG_0890.jpeg
 
Use hardware cloth all over. You don't need to bury hardware cloth in the run. The apron you planned will work to keep diggers out. Cover the top of the run with a hard surface or hardware cloth. Leave no opening uncovered no matter how small. That should take care of it. If I missed anything some folks here will comment.
 
Depending your soil chickens can dig down a foot. To save money and to save time/hassle and chicken feet, I'd recommend NOT flooring the run with wire and sticking with an apron, and extending it out about 2'.
 
Instead of burying hc as a floor under your run, you can extend the walls into the ground about 6” which can keep your birds from digging out. But really thats overkill too. Just use the apron And you’ll be fine. prevent 2-3” gaps around your doors And at corners. Coons and possums can squeeze in through those gaps
 
Welcome!
Tight quarters for five standard birds, especially in snow country. Consider spending to roof your entire structure now, so it will all act as a coop, with sheet vinyl partially covering three walls all winter. Chickens hate snow! They will be a lot happier with more space, and when they need to be locked in because of weather or predator visits, the space will be so worth it!
Mary
 

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