Predator proofing small coops

[Chickendilly]

and placing pavers over the extended HWC apron reduces the effectiveness of the apron.

Can you explain this? Why would putting pavers on top of the hardcloth perimeter skirt reduce the effectiveness?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Can you explain this? Why would putting pavers on top of the hardcloth perimeter skirt reduce the effectiveness?

What happens without the large rocks/pavers is a digging pest or predator will start at the fence, try to dig, hit wire, back up, try again, and then hopefully give up.

Let's say you add pavers that are 12" wide on an apron of 18", the digger may start instead at the edge of the paver, try to dig, hit wire, back up... and now with only 6" of coverage the chance that it finds the edge of the wire and starts tunneling under is greater. Even if it doesn't dig all the way into the run you really don't want critters to start undermining security.

I've personally seen a rat tunnel about 10" under my apron, but they certainly can go further than that. If they can make it into the run, then other things can follow: snakes, weasels, other rodents.

 

[Chickendilly]

Thank you for that explanation, and that makes perfect sense, and something I didn't consider. I thought the extra weight on the apron would make it more secure, but I understand that it essentially makes the apron shorter. Thank you!!!