Predator proof the run in 6 days or less...

[MichelleT]

In September we welcomed our girls into our family. We had done the research and predator proofed the run on three of the four sides. Neither my husband nor I can remember why we skipped the fourth side... it backs up to a retaining wall that is anywhere between 6 inches and 18 inches off the ground. (See photo) every night since we got them they have been locked in the coop at night, and so I haven't worried at all about their safety during the night.

These sides are secured by underground wire fencing:

This side is not:

It is starting to get hotter and hotter and I'd like to start leaving their coop door open to the run at night, both to allow the girls to get out in the morning on their own AND to keep the breeze moving through the coop better. We have coyotes and possibly a fox or two, and I'm concerned that they might dig under the retaining wall and up into the run and if the door is open, into the coop as well. What would be the quickest but most secure way to take care of the breech in security? (Preferably without killing the rhubarb plants that back up to the retaining wall...)

 

[TalkALittle]

Quickest and easiest way to get you night time security, increased ventilation, and convenience of not having to open the door in the morning would be to install an automatic pop door opener and a few more vents in the coop.

 

[123RedBeard]

I agree ... Put more vents in ... Then work on finishing the fourth side with underground wire ...

Not sure where you live, or how hot it is ... But you could also maybe put in a solar powered fan ...

 

[MichelleT]

We were planning on adding vents already since the larger vent and the door are both on the same side of the coop. Not much of a cross breeze getting through right now.

I checked out the automatic door and although I love the idea, it is just a little too much $$ right now. Definitely for the winter though.
The fan sounds like a good option too; wonder if I could find something in town ( rather than order online ).

We have some extra heavy duty wire fencing (the same kind we used on the run and run roof) and we are going to put it down outside the retaining wall, attached to it and going up the side. We'll lay it out across the ground 3 feet or so, then cover the border (where the wall hits the ground) with large rocks. We could work around the rhubarb plants that way. It won't be buried, but with the rocks holding it in place, I can't see how they would be able to get in. Right?