predator proofing the coop

[tabithas]

We are in the process of building our firs coop for our first chickens. We live in the city, so we shouldn't have a huge predator problem, but we have seen the occasional raccoon and such in our yard and there are a number of stray cats roaming. What is the best way to make the coop safe from these critters? I would eventually like to bury wire, but we don't have the permanant area for the coop ready. Would it be ok to run chicken wire along the whole bottom of the run? Basically making a wire floor. Or would this be too hard on the chickens feet and not allow them to scratch enough? Any thought or tips are appreciated!

 

[ArcticFowl]

pellet gun or airsoft should learn the predators a lesson.. but you could chicken wire the bottom and use sand or another media to coat the floor bottom so they can adequately scratch.

 

[chickencoop789]

If you only have the occasional raccoon or cat, this should be enough to keep them away. Its pretty small so you can just put it at the base of the coop.

http://www.flemingoutdoors.com/solar-nite-eyes-predator-protection.html

 

[Nicole01]

Use hardware cloth secured tightly in any open areas. Chicken wire is useless. Raccoons can get their nasty paws in welded wire and eat their heads off. Make sure there are no holes to get in. You also have mice and rats to worry about.

I'd especially use the HC where you have the ventilation at the top.

Good luck!

 

[Barred Rock Caf]

Use hardware cloth secured tightly in any open areas. Chicken wire is useless. Raccoons can get their nasty paws in welded wire and eat their heads off. Make sure there are no holes to get in. You also have mice and rats to worry about.
I'd especially use the HC where you have the ventilation at the top.
Good luck!

Hardware cloth is a wise investment. I, too,placed it at both soffits of the roof. Not only because I feel it is great insurance against any would-be scalers of the walls or fly-in type intruders, but I also think of myself and coop maintenance overall. The HC prevents many birds from using the soffit vent areas for nesting and I wouldhave to deal with that when it occurs. My mantra has always been: "You only have to do this ONCE, so do it right the first time."