Predator proofing to the max. Feedback?

[Mishyk]

So I am finalizing my coop protection. This is strictly coop, the run is a different story. My plan is this...here is my coop. You can see it has a wood bottom. To keep the wood off the ground I plan on putting it up on cinderblock. So picture this, Sicily 1932... wait. Wrong show.

Ok so I am digging down approximately 12 inches. I am attaching hardware cloth to the hardware cloth already on my coop to give me a "skirt" of hardware cloth to work with. I am sinking cinderblock to just above ground level. The hardware cloth will be sunken around the cinderblock. I drew a very crude image of what I mean. The red is the additional hardware cloth whick will cover and go under the cinderblock. .

My question is this... what flaws do you see with this concept? Where are my weak spots. The hardware cloth will be wired together. The run is a separate entity that will have its own fencing and cover. But I am trying to beef my coop as my primary line of defence. Show me my weak spots, please.

 

[RoosterML]

So I am finalizing my coop protection. This is strictly coop, the run is a different story. My plan is this...here is my coop. You can see it has a wood bottom. To keep the wood off the ground I plan on putting it up on cinderblock. So picture this, Sicily 1932... wait. Wrong show.

Ok so I am digging down approximately 12 inches. I am attaching hardware cloth to the hardware cloth already on my coop to give me a "skirt" of hardware cloth to work with. I am sinking cinderblock to just above ground level. The hardware cloth will be sunken around the cinderblock. I drew a very crude image of what I mean. The red is the additional hardware cloth whick will cover and go under the cinderblock. .

My question is this... what flaws do you see with this concept? Where are my weak spots. The hardware cloth will be wired together. The run is a separate entity that will have its own fencing and cover. But I am trying to beef my coop as my primary line of defence. Show me my weak spots, please.

The wood floor so close to the ground will likely need replacement sooner than later. Raise the coop 16”-24” above the ground and your floor will last and the chickens can use underneath the coop for shelter.

 

[Aunt Tat]

So I am finalizing my coop protection. This is strictly coop, the run is a different story. My plan is this...here is my coop. You can see it has a wood bottom. To keep the wood off the ground I plan on putting it up on cinderblock. So picture this, Sicily 1932... wait. Wrong show.

Ok so I am digging down approximately 12 inches. I am attaching hardware cloth to the hardware cloth already on my coop to give me a "skirt" of hardware cloth to work with. I am sinking cinderblock to just above ground level. The hardware cloth will be sunken around the cinderblock. I drew a very crude image of what I mean. The red is the additional hardware cloth whick will cover and go under the cinderblock. .

My question is this... what flaws do you see with this concept? Where are my weak spots. The hardware cloth will be wired together. The run is a separate entity that will have its own fencing and cover. But I am trying to beef my coop as my primary line of defence. Show me my weak spots, please.

I think it was Paris, 1926

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC!

Where, in general, are you located? That will have a big effect on your predator load and what specific precautions you need to take against certain animals.

If you are in a wet climate, especially a warm wet climate, a wood floor close to ground level will be highly vulnerable to rot, termites, and carpenter ants.

A dirt floor can often be better than a low-raised floor because rodents and snakes LOVE to live under floors and/or inside walls. But if the floor is up high enough for the chickens to get in they'll keep it clear for you.

A poured concrete floor isn't *usually* the best option, but if you have a heavy load of digging predators it can be excellent -- though you'd need thick layers of bedding to protect the birds' feet.

Covering every gap with 1/2" hardware cloth is usually very effective against most predators, but if you have bears, dog packs, or very determined raccoons you will want to add some electric wires. (IIRC, there is someone here on BYC who has electric wires because it's the only thing that keeps the elk out of the feed).

 

[Mishyk]

I think it was Paris, 1926

 

[Mishyk]

Welcome to BYC!

Where, in general, are you located? That will have a big effect on your predator load and what specific precautions you need to take against certain animals.

If you are in a wet climate, especially a warm wet climate, a wood floor close to ground level will be highly vulnerable to rot, termites, and carpenter ants.

A dirt floor can often be better than a low-raised floor because rodents and snakes LOVE to live under floors and/or inside walls. But if the floor is up high enough for the chickens to get in they'll keep it clear for you.

A poured concrete floor isn't *usually* the best option, but if you have a heavy load of digging predators it can be excellent -- though you'd need thick layers of bedding to protect the birds' feet.

Covering every gap with 1/2" hardware cloth is usually very effective against most predators, but if you have bears, dog packs, or very determined raccoons you will want to add some electric wires. (IIRC, there is someone here on BYC who has electric wires because it's the only thing that keeps the elk out of the feed).

I am in Northern Virginia. I posted followup pics of the coop and my plan. The coop itself is off the ground, it is just the base of the teeny attached run that sits on the ground. This is why I want to put it up on blocks and hardware cover the.blocks to make it hardier against predators.

 

[cmom]

http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/tips-for-protecting-poultry-from-predators

 

[Krugerrand]

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I'll defer to others .... I would think wrapping the hardware cloth skirt around the cinder-block will render the hardware cloth mostly useless under the ground.

I'm thinking either along the ground, or at least at an angle under ground.

 

[Kellow1]

I'll defer to others .... I would think wrapping the hardware cloth skirt around the cinder-block will render the hardware cloth mostly useless under the ground.

I'm thinking either along the ground, or at least at an angle under ground.

I think I would put the cinder blocks on top of the wire. Attach the wire to the base of the frame, go down about 6 inches then out about 12 inches, like an L.

 

[MROO]

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You're on the right track, for sure! A word to the wise, though. If that's a picture of your store-bought coop, take a few extra steps to reinforce joints with metal plates and to seal the wood (including the roof) with an outdoor protectant. It will seriously increase the strength and longevity of your set-up. You'll be glad you took the extra precautions ahead of time!
Good Luck!