predator proofing??

[texsuze]

Good replies about critter-proofing your run. Consider adding a hardware cloth "apron" around the entire bottom edge of the run (research it more on BYC) for the digging predators.

On another note, you mentioned your coop is a shed with "a window". In FL, sounds like you might want to (a) add more windows, or extra ventilation due to hot temperatures. Be sure to overlay screen with hardware cloth on the windows, and (b) consider a roof extension or overhang for shade, if the coop is in partial or full sun. Just sayin'.

 

[neo71665]

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.

Of all my baby coons I've owned none of them have figured that skill yet. I'd be worried if one did.

Crap I might be proud of my two girls if I woke up and they have picked the lock on their pen, picked the lock on the house, and woke me up sitting on my chest. Might have to start training the girls to be bank robbers.............

 

[cheecharrones]

Of all my baby coons I've owned none of them have figured that skill yet. I'd be worried if one did.

Crap I might be proud of my two girls if I woke up and they have picked the lock on their pen, picked the lock on the house, and woke me up sitting on my chest. Might have to start training the girls to be bank robbers.............

you OWN raccoons?!

 

[kimdk]

If you have fox in the area, they will eventually find their way to your chickens. Both male and female will be out hunting in the day when they have kits to feed. Very cunning animals. They will stay back for days and study your routine with the chickens. Really nothing you can do about it if they are free ranging, just be aware and prepared.....with your gun.

 

[cmom]

I live near Ocala. We don't have weasels here in Florida but have most every other predator. I have electric wires around my coops and pens, my pens are covered with good heavy duty netting and I have concrete under the gates, all due to losses from predators in the past. Everything loves chickens. Some predators will lurk and look for an opportunity. Here most of the predators roam at night. I have several game cameras up around on my property. I have been surprised at the predators that roam at night. Some predators I can recognize because they have noticeable injuries or markings and seem to have routes and routines. You usually will never see them. I haven't had issues as other people have. I have seen coons on my game cameras but they haven't messed with my birds yet. In the past I have free ranged but my land is mostly open pasture with no places to hide. I had a hawk kill a bird that was with me in our blueberries, right in front of me. It happened so fast. The hawk killed her but didn't take her. I have lost too many birds in the past free ranging, but my birds all have nice large covered pens. When you free range that is the risk you take. I use welded wire with chicken wire. So far so good. Good luck...

 

[cheecharrones]

I live near Ocala. We don't have weasels here in Florida but have most every other predator. I have electric wires around my coops and pens, my pens are covered with good heavy duty netting and I have concrete under the gates, all due to losses from predators in the past. Everything loves chickens. Some predators will lurk and look for an opportunity. Here most of the predators roam at night. I have several game cameras up around on my property. I have been surprised at the predators that roam at night. Some predators I can recognize because they have noticeable injuries or markings and seem to have routes and routines. You usually will never see them. I haven't had issues as other people have. I have seen coons on my game cameras but they haven't messed with my birds yet. In the past I have free ranged but my land is mostly open pasture with no places to hide. I had a hawk kill a bird that was with me in our blueberries, right in front of me. It happened so fast. The hawk killed her but didn't take her. I have lost too many birds in the past free ranging, but my birds all have nice large covered pens. When you free range that is the risk you take. I use welded wire with chicken wire. So far so good. Good luck...
View attachment 2372375

sounds like you have a good set up!! can you recommend a good game cam? i’ve been loooking online but so many of them have mixed reviews...

 

[One Lucky Momma]

You‘ve gotten a lot of great advice here. You are SO smart to be thinking about these things before you have issues - I believe this is called a preemptive strike! Oh, the woes you will prevent. And you’ve probably already discovered there‘s an entire section of articles on coops and runs where you’ll find incredible ingenuity. Sounds like you are having a wonderful time with the process.

 

[azygous]

A friend of mine has a Toguard game cam she got off Amazon. It grabs amazing pics. This are two from her cam.

 

[CluckerFamily]

A friend of mine has a Toguard game cam she got off Amazon. It grabs amazing pics. This are two from her cam.View attachment 2377623View attachment 2377624

Amazing pictures!!!