Pulse Check - Predator Proofing a Coop in a Fenced in Back Yard

[jelewis]

Hi:

I think the answer here is 'err on the side of caution' but here is my question:

We are new to chickens. We live in New England. They are 7 weeks old and in their coop new now which includes a 10 foot covered run that is enclosed with hardware cloth. The builder of the coop used tin roofing (which looks great) but left an open space under all of the eaves for venting. It's probably a 4 inch tall vent and as wide as the coop (on both the front and back).

My first question is, should I enclose this venting with hardware cloth (can anything get in a 4" tall space)? My back yard is all fenced in with 6' solid wood fencing and 5' chain link around the perimeter. I also have 4 large dogs (one German Shep, two Bullmastiffs, and one Rottweiler). While they are not outside 24/7, I'm assuming their scent certainly is!

My second question is, will this be too much venting for the winter? Would it make sense to close off some of it when the cold comes (blech!).

Thanks in advance!

Jeff

 

[donrae]

IMO, it all depends on how upset you'll be if your birds are killed by a predator. Lots of us who free range accept some predator losses, but folks in a backyard situation often think of the birds more as pets. If that's the case, go ahead an enclose the vents in hardware cloth, etc. With your dogs, I'd doubt a predator would come looking for dinner, but if you're going to have crying in the house if a bird gets taken, you'd sure wish you'd done it.

It's really hard to have too much ventilation, even in your AO, even in the winter. Search open air coop and see some pics of different set ups. JackE is the one that sticks in my mind as a great example.

 

[Beckaberry]

We have a coop vent around the top of ours too about the same size. I was worried at first, but have never had any issues. I would leave it alone personally.

As for venting, its going to be fine in the winter. Chickens are hardier than you think and may appreciate the extra ventilation.

 

[RonP]

List your common predators.
Would any squeeze in the 4 inches left open?
They will try...

Personally, I would secure the flock to the best of my ability.

 

[petrel]

What Donrae said.

I'd cover it with securely stapled hardware cloth. With regard to ventilation and winter, I had to see that for myself. I took a leap of faith with the advice from this forum and left 4" X 12' of soffit ventilation open and the roof vent open in my coop. We had the worst winter I can remember with countless windy nights in the teens and a few in the negative numbers. Each morning the ladies just strolled out of the coop like it was another day at the office!

 

[jelewis]

Thank you all for the input. Much appreciated!

I'm going to at least place hardware cloth over the openings as we do have skunks, raccoon, foxes, coyotes, possums and weasels. I don't think the coyotes would come over a 5 foot fence but the rest could.

I guess it's complacency since I have never seen any of these predators in my fenced in area. But then, I never had chickens before either.

 

[aart]

Lots of things can get thru 4" including coons.

Hardware cloth is most secure attached with screws and washers approx every 8".....if you want to use staples, use 1 3/4" heavy duty fencing staples.