Predator Proofing

[Disheygirl]

I’m a new chicken owner and had posted a predator question here before related to my coop itself, but have a few more! If I line the coop with 16x16 concrete pavers to prevent diggers, is that as good as hardware cloth on the ground? The coop itself is up off the ground, but I’m going to block anything from getting under it so the pavers are more for the run part. Additionally, we bought a large Producer’s Pride coop/run from Tractor Supply, but - as suspected - it’s really not big enough for nine hens to stretch their legs. So now we’re planning on enclosing more of the yard around the pen so they can go out. It’s not a huge area, so shouldn’t be too hard or expensive to do it the best way.

We’re in the Midwest and back up to some woods, so I need protection from air and ground. I’d put them in the coop locked up at night, and my home office overlooks the back yard (although I’m not banking on my ability to stop an attack during the day). I’ll take a few pictures of the yard and post them too. For the yard - chicken wire (that they can’t fit their heads through), hardware cloth, electric cloth (don’t want the hens to electrocute themselves), something else? Do I need to do anything for diggers, and whats the best way to cover the top in a small space?

 

[Disheygirl]

The coop and part of the back yard - we had to put some drainage in, so I figure the grass is already done for...why not let the chickens dig in it! The hutch is one set of mini rex (the other two hutches will be back here too) and they have omlet tunnels and runs for during the day.

 

[FatihSultanMehmet_1453]

Just in front of the chicken hut you have to make a sheltered chicken walk surrounded by wire fences. You should place some of the wires under the soil and protect the edges with large stones. You can use nylon mesh or mesh for airborne hazards.

 

[FatihSultanMehmet_1453]

 

[JPenny]

The coop and part of the back yard - we had to put some drainage in, so I figure the grass is already done for...why not let the chickens dig in it! The hutch is one set of mini rex (the other two hutches will be back here too) and they have omlet tunnels and runs for during the day.

View attachment 2598164

Oooh I got that coop but the base was obliterated in shipping. It'll be a month before the can get be a replacement :'(. How are you liking it?

 

[neo71665]

No 16x16 pavers still give them a hard edge to dig under. The whole reason for the apron is they can still see, feel, and smell dirt but aint smart enough to go to the edge of the wire to start digging.

Chicken wire is only good for keeping chickens in, it doesn't keep anything out.

 

[Disheygirl]

Oooh I got that coop but the base was obliterated in shipping. It'll be a month before the can get be a replacement :'(. How are you liking it?

It works well so far! I put hardware cloth about three feet up the sides of the run, and am going to take the window plexiglass out and replace it with hardware cloth (it gets pretty stuffy inside on warm days), plus cut another window out on the side without airflow. We use caribener clips on the latches to make extra sure that they’re secure, and I have a baby monitor hanging in it because I’m OCD about them! We also put in a buried fenced area around it, complete with electric fencing and a netted top so they could run around during the day. The coop is five steps from the house so I may be ridiculous with all the adds, but the internet is a scary place for new chicken owners.

On, and the one thing that is tough to secure ‘as is’ is the sliding coop door from the enclosed area into the little pen. We ended up putting a latch on it (otherwise it would just slide open) for nighttime.

 

[JPenny]

It works well so far! I put hardware cloth about three feet up the sides of the run, and am going to take the window plexiglass out and replace it with hardware cloth (it gets pretty stuffy inside on warm days), plus cut another window out on the side without airflow. We use caribener clips on the latches to make extra sure that they’re secure, and I have a baby monitor hanging in it because I’m OCD about them! We also put in a buried fenced area around it, complete with electric fencing and a netted top so they could run around during the day. The coop is five steps from the house so I may be ridiculous with all the adds, but the internet is a scary place for new chicken owners.

On, and the one thing that is tough to secure ‘as is’ is the sliding coop door from the enclosed area into the little pen. We ended up putting a latch on it (otherwise it would just slide open) for nighttime.

Thanks! I want to cut another opening for ventilation as well, I didn’t think the one area was enough. Replacing the plexi window is also a good idea!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Coons can reach right through the chicken wire.

 

[Disheygirl]

Thanks! I want to cut another opening for ventilation as well, I didn’t think the one area was enough. Replacing the plexi window is also a good idea!

So I actually did both...the plexiglass window is easy because the frame comes off and you just replace the plexiglass with chicken wire. The frame holds it on! We cut a hole on the opposite side as a window, but beware that the wood is all tongue and groove, so when you cut into it, you may need to re-stabilize the boards. The hardware cloth over the new “window” keeps it together, but we also put a stabilizing board across on the inside. Just nailed it in there.