Predator Proofing Skirt

[arosegardener]

Hey ALL!
We will be getting chickens in April and just got our coop last week. We plan on installing a predator proof skirt around the outside of the coop. What advice do folks have? I have seen two options, either dig and lay it in an L shape underground (how deep? how far out?) or just put the L shape above ground on the grass (how far out). I don't mind doing a little extra work but does anyone with more experience have any input? I do plan on using 1/4 or 1/2in wire mesh. What else do I need? Staple gun with any particular type of staples? I am probably over thinking this but want to do it right the first time. Any other predator proofing I should be aware of? We have have a full roof over the coop and 1/2" wire mesh on all walls/openings. Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I buried mine 6 inches into the ground but I used t-posts to hook the fencing to.

 

[aart]

It's a toss up.
If ground is flat and grass grows there, it might be easiest to lay flat at ground level.
I mowed very low, as in scalped, the grass then laid down mesh with a few landscape pins, and grass grew back up thru and I was able to mow over it(I do mow high tho).

I did read recently of rodents tunneling under a ground level apron, so might be good to go down a bit with an 'L'.

I would recommend screws instead of staples, unless you have a pneumatic stapler.
Will you be attaching it to a wooden frame or.....???


Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528

 

[aart]

It's a toss up.
If ground is flat and grass grows there, it might be easiest to lay flat at ground level.
I mowed very low, as in scalped, the grass then laid down mesh with a few landscape pins, and grass grew back up thru and I was able to mow over it(I do mow high tho).

I did read recently of rodents tunneling under a ground level apron, so might be good to go down a bit with an 'L'.

I would recommend screws instead of staples, unless you have a pneumatic stapler.
Will you be attaching it to a wooden frame or.....???


Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528

 

[arosegardener]

It's a toss up.
If ground is flat and grass grows there, it might be easiest to lay flat at ground level.
I mowed very low, as in scalped, the grass then laid down mesh with a few landscape pins, and grass grew back up thru and I was able to mow over it(I do mow high tho).

I did read recently of rodents tunneling under a ground level apron, so might be good to go down a bit with an 'L'.

I would recommend screws instead of staples, unless you have a pneumatic stapler.
Will you be attaching it to a wooden frame or.....???


Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528

Yes it will be attached to a wooden frame.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine is an L shape and sits on the grass as my lot is quite level. I used landscape staples to tack it down, and hog rings to attach it to the run fence (chain link). If attaching to wood I think there's certain types of staples that are much more secure than others (I don't know so I can't explain) or you can use screws and washers or sandwich the wire between 2 pieces of wood and screw through that.

I'd say go out 18-24" if possible. I have seen evidence of rats and coons at the apron but no breeches so far. Ironically the rat was inside the run and trying to tunnel out, it gave up half way.

 

[7acres]

I buried mine 6 inches into the ground but I used t-posts to hook the fencing to.

I layed 24 inches of chain link fence on top of the ground and attached it to the fence. I then attached each piece together. Then I cut 24 inch pieces of rebar and bent a hook on the end and drove it across over lapped pieces and outside edge. You can take 4 ft chain link measure out 2 ft and then bend the ends back and spin it out. The large number of trees made digging impossible.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I layed 24 inches of chain link fence on top of the ground and attached it to the fence. I then attached each piece together. Then I cut 24 inch pieces of rebar and bent a hook on the end and drove it across over lapped pieces and outside edge. You can take 4 ft chain link measure out 2 ft and then bend the ends back and spin it out. The large number of trees made digging impossible.

You gotta do what ya gotta do

 

[Cryss]

Don't use 1/4 inch hardware cloth. The wire is very thin gauge, easily ripped. Use the 1/2 inch hardware cloth. It's much stronger