Predator proofing small coops

[Frazzled chicken tender]

I have 3 almost 2 month old chicks I’m keeping separate from my larger flock til they are larger. I’ve been putting them outside in a small coop I bought on Amazon during the day, and bringing them inside our garage at night. My husband is ready for them to go outside at night now. I’m trying to think of how to predator proof this small coop. I thought about putting hardware cloth (think that is what it’s called, like chicken fence but smaller holes) on ground and the coop on top of it. The hardware cloth would extend about a foot outside the coop as well. Then I could put concrete pavers on top of the outer perimeter of the cloth, surrounding the coop. And weigh down the roof of the nesting box area with concrete pavers. Does this seem adequate? Any further ideas appreciated.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I have 3 almost 2 month old chicks I’m keeping separate from my larger flock til they are larger. I’ve been putting them outside in a small coop I bought on Amazon during the day, and bringing them inside our garage at night. My husband is ready for them to go outside at night now. I’m trying to think of how to predator proof this small coop. I thought about putting hardware cloth (think that is what it’s called, like chicken fence but smaller holes) on ground and the coop on top of it. The hardware cloth would extend about a foot outside the coop as well. Then I could put concrete pavers on top of the outer perimeter of the cloth, surrounding the coop. And weigh down the roof of the nesting box area with concrete pavers. Does this seem adequate? Any further ideas appreciated.

Do you have a predator-proof run in which the big coop “lives ”? If so, just put the littles’ coop in the run.

 

[Airyaman]

Do you have a predator-proof run in which the big coop “lives ”? If so, just put the littlest’ coop in the run.

Yes, and that would also expose them to their future flock, no?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Yes, and that would also expose them to their future flock, no?

True, hadn’t thought of that.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you're planning to house them as a separate flock you should integrate them now before they get any bigger - was the "small coop" placed so they were able to get see but no touch time with the adult flock?

As far as the original question, I disagree with your plan. HWC on the floor can damage their feet and doesn't allow them to scratch as chickens like to do, and placing pavers over the extended HWC apron reduces the effectiveness of the apron.

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

Do you have a predator-proof run in which the big coop “lives ”? If so, just put the littlest’ coop in the run.

I do…the big coop is attached to the run, not enclosed, and the flock stays in a fenced in area most of the time. I’m not sure the coop will fit through the run door, but I can try. Good option if it works, thank you!

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

Unless you're planning to house them as a separate flock you should integrate them now before they get any bigger - was the "small coop" placed so they were able to get see but no touch time with the adult flock?

As far as the original question, I disagree with your plan. HWC on the floor can damage their feet and doesn't allow them to scratch as chickens like to do, and placing pavers over the extended HWC apron reduces the effectiveness of the apron.

They can see each other now, just can’t be in direct contact. I have them in an open area I let the flock out into for a portion of the day.
They are much smaller than the majority of the original flock, I have different breeds, and a few bantams. I had always read to let them get as big as possible so they stand a better chance?
I will forgo the hardware cloth for underneath the entire area. Also will rethink the pavers on top of the cloth just outside of the coop. Thank you!