Predator proofing the coop?

[sbutler12025]

Hey all! This is my first question on here (of likely many many to come!)

We are nearly finished building our first coop. It is 16' long, 7 3/4' wide. Sits 24" off the ground. I am adding finishing touches currently. Hardware cloth to the vents reinforcements to the doors, not done yet! but I am concerned about the floor. I am thinking something will get under the coop and dig/chew the wood apart at the seams where the wood went together. So I am planning on enclosing the opening to under the coop but also want to reinforce the bottom. What can I put along the bottom to keep predators from getting through? I was thinking of possibly lining the entire bottom with hardware cloth. Would that do it? Suggestions? Babies are headed out this week and I need to be sure they're as safe as can be! I'd rather go overkill on predator proofing than find out to late that I missed something... We have never built anything like this before. Suggestions before move in day are welcome!

Edit: I wanted to add that I am in upstate NY. We have raccoons, foxes, coyotes, weasels, skunks, cats and the occasional bear and loose dog. There are also hawks, owls and bald eagles but they will not be free ranging. They'll be in their covered and reinforced run at all times because of previously mentioned random loose dogs, wandering cats and birds of prey.

 

[cavemanrich]

Your most worrisome predator are the weasels. They can get thru very small openings. Block off access to underneath with 1/2 inch Hardware cloth, and have a 2 foot apron around perimeter to protect against digging animals. I have no experience with bears, but only thing that would work, is an Electrified barrier. Often called a Hot Wire. There are multiple ways/styles to install those.
I think, with the open area underneath, not many predators will try to first get into area, and then eat their way thru floor from underneath. Predators try the most direct routes first.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[aart]

So I am planning on enclosing the opening to under the coop but also want to reinforce the bottom. What can I put along the bottom to keep predators from getting through?

Apron.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Some concerns about enclosing the bottom, can you get under there if a bird get sick, or stuck, or lays under the coop?

Can you walk into coop to clean, examine birds, etc?

Nest on right end(hard to see at night)?
They look a bit odd sized and high.
Here's some thoughts about heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

 

[sbutler12025]

Apron.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Some concerns about enclosing the bottom, can you get under there if a bird get sick, or stuck, or lays under the coop?

Can you walk into coop to clean, examine birds, etc?

Nest on right end(hard to see at night)?
They look a bit odd sized and high.
Here's some thoughts about heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

There are large doors that make every corner of the coop accessable though it is not walk-in. I can easily get into it while crouching though and walk hunched which will work for coaching and if I really need to get in there. Under the coop will be off limits for the chickens for now, though maybe in the future I'll do something with it to make a sheltered winter run. Their large run will be attached to the front of the coop off to the side where the smaller door is. I am however able to comfortably crawl underneath the coop if I need to ( I'll have to anyways to reinforce the floor) there is also a motion flood light that shines on one end of the coop currently (the right side when facing the front of the coop, this is where the nesting boxes will be) and another to be put in on the opposite side so everything will light up very nicely at night. Thank you so much for the links!

 

[aart]

there is also a motion flood light that shines on one end of the coop currently (the right side when facing the front of the coop, this is where the nesting boxes will be) and another to be put in on the opposite side so everything will light up very nicely at night.

Not really good to light the coop at night, they like it dark to sleep.
Lights won't keep predators way either.
Good luck with the crouching and crawling, makes my back and knees hurt to even think about it....but I'm old and creaky

 

[3KillerBs]

In addition to the anti-dig apron you might consider some electric wires.

Electric fence is easier to work with than inexperienced people think it is.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/a-treatise-on-electric-fences-for-poultry.72229/

 

[sbutler12025]

Not really good to light the coop at night, they like it dark to sleep.
Lights won't keep predators way either.
Good luck with the crouching and crawling, makes my back and knees hurt to even think about it....but I'm old and creaky

The light is on the ends without any openings for the light to really get in. And they only come on with motion and shut back off after a few minutes, just long enough to alert me that something is out there by the coop (my bedroom window is in direct view of the coop and though the lights don't overwhelm the coop itself they do light my bedroom up pretty darn well) I've sat in there at night for a bit a couple of times now once just to see how they might like it and another during a storm to be sure it wasn't noisy, drafty or leaky hell I'd sleep in there! I do plan to add motion detecting cameras out there that will alert my phone to motion out there as well.

As for the crouching and crawling. I am fairly young, and after a weight related health scare I lost 100lbs, started working out religiously and can get around better than my kids most days over time I'll probably end up having to revamp the coop but for a starter I can manage. I've waited so long for them, they are worth it!

 

[sbutler12025]

In addition to the anti-dig apron you might consider some electric wires.

Electric fence is easier to work with than inexperienced people think it is.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/a-treatise-on-electric-fences-for-poultry.72229/

Yes! I was thinking of this. I'm just not educated in any type of way when it comes to electric fencing. But I have been looking at them here and there and have a chunk of money set aside just in case I decide to go that route.

 

[Mellowmalt]

motion sensor lights are an excellent way of keeping predators away, at least the foxes.
If they work correctly they should be off all night not disturbing the chickens and only come on if a predator comes along, thus scaring him away.

I think the space under the coop should be used! Let the chickens go underneath it. So line the outside with strong hardware cloth like you will line the run and secure it to the ground well too.

 

[sbutler12025]

motion sensor lights are an excellent way of keeping predators away, at least the foxes.
If they work correctly they should be off all night not disturbing the chickens and only come on if a predator comes along, thus scaring him away.

I think the space under the coop should be used! Let the chickens go underneath it. So line the outside with strong hardware cloth like you will line the run and secure it to the ground well too.

I do think I will make under the coop usable before cold weather comes. Currently it needs the top foot or so removed and replaced before they could go on it ( same was done with their entire run area) the previous owners of this property used the yard as their own personal dumping ground. Diapers, appliances, windows all sorts of random trash. You name it. So even after thorough cleaning ( like hands and knees picking little bits of everything off the ground) I won't trust the ground for them to roam until a thick top layer is removed and new soil placed down. We are slowly doing this with the entire yard. It is a long exhausting process they'll only be allowed on completed areas.
What is the best way to secure hardware cloth to the ground?