predator proofing??

[neo71665]

Nothing wrong with setting a trap and them putting a game camera on it. Gotta make sure it's working, right?

 

[CluckerFamily]

You may already be aware of chicken wire, but I wanted to mention it just in case. Chicken wire is truly miraculous at keeping chickens in but horrible at keep predators out. Weasels, mink, and rats can squeeze through the chicken wire holes. A better protection than chicken wire is hardware cloth and then the next step up is hot-wire.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Nothing wrong with setting a trap and them putting a game camera on it. Gotta make sure it's working, right?

And with a new card in too!

 

[neo71665]

You may already be aware of chicken wire, but I wanted to mention it just in case. Chicken wire is truly miraculous at keeping chickens in but horrible at keep predators out. Weasels, mink, and rats can squeeze through the chicken wire holes. A better protection than chicken wire is hardware cloth and then the next step up is hot-wire.

Also really good at letting a snake get in then pissing it off when it can't get back out after it's full of eggs, baby chicks, or golf balls. Nothing like a cornered snake.

 

[azygous]

By chance are you smiling while you make these meals for the predators to train them not to mess with your coop?!?! I can picture this all... the food preparation, the baiting, the trail cameras all set or a recliner positioned for the show, and the predators thinking they can breach your coop and they don't even know what hit them; all they know is they are not trying that again!
Great advice!

No trail cams, but I have such an abundance of wildlife here that I see a lot of them just out my windows. Yes, it's a great feeling of satisfaction seeing and knowing a predator has "gotten the message".

 

[Lightning Bob]

For hawks, make sure your run has a “ceiling” of mesh of some kind. That slows ‘em down - also minimizes the local domestic birds visiting your feed. As mentioned, a hawk may take a hen right out of your hands. It’s creepy!

 

[cheecharrones]

You may already be aware of chicken wire, but I wanted to mention it just in case. Chicken wire is truly miraculous at keeping chickens in but horrible at keep predators out. Weasels, mink, and rats can squeeze through the chicken wire holes. A better protection than chicken wire is hardware cloth and then the next step up is hot-wire.

you guessed it! i am already aware, but i really appreciate you volunteering the info!! very helpful to have helpful folks such as yourself

 

[cheecharrones]

For hawks, make sure your run has a “ceiling” of mesh of some kind. That slows ‘em down - also minimizes the local domestic birds visiting your feed. As mentioned, a hawk may take a hen right out of your hands. It’s creepy!

i may as well have bought stock in hardware cloth/fine mesh at this point, you should see the stockpile i have lol. and that is INSANE, i seriously thought a human nearby would be deterrent enough

 

[cheecharrones]

ok follow up question on the topic of coons and doorknobs....the doorknob on my coop door has a lock. like an actual lock that you need a key for. am i good in assuming a raccoon can’t pick a lock lol? i’m trying to be extremely proactive bc i’m already so in love with these birds.

 

[CluckerFamily]

ok follow up question on the topic of coons and doorknobs....the doorknob on my coop door has a lock. like an actual lock that you need a key for. am i good in assuming a raccoon can’t pick a lock lol? i’m trying to be extremely proactive bc i’m already so in love with these birds.

They can't pick a lock... lol... but you may want to think about the lock, if a predator somehow got into the coop, it would take you longer to unlock the door. I know I would be fumbling with the lock under the pressure.