Raccoon proof coop

[Zzil09]

Thanks for all the tips. I am leaning toward electric for piece of mind! I am planning on covering the floor with a layer of stone and then mixed grit sand. (Our soil here is basically sand anyway) I do have some rubber mats too. I hear ya on the roof slope It also does not allow vents to be as high as I would like either.

 

[Folly's place]

If you could consider the entire structure as their coop, and have the door (where is it?) to the 'run' open all the time, then there's more space, ventilation, and in winter, rolled vinyl sheeting over the lower walls will make it comfortable.
That roof is concerning; is it framed with snow load in mind? Either fix it now, or get out there at 2am during snowstorms this winter...
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

As a non-carpenter, I wonder if reframing it would be best. Take that roof off, and add 24" vertical extensions to the framing on the high side, and then reroof it. instant height, added ventilation, and no issues with snow.
Mary

 

[crowber]

It’s only 1/2”

1/2" is fine, it's better than the 1/4" cloth because the wires are thicker.

 

[Zzil09]

It’s a 4’x8 ‘ coop and run. It’s smaller than I would prefer but we are going to let them free range when we are around. I have also been trying to increase ventilation and decrease drafts since we live in Michigan we have significant temp either swings. Hopefully in the next year we will be able to build a lager coop and run.

 

[Zzil09]

It’s a 4’x8 ‘ coop and run. It’s smaller than I would prefer but we are going to let them free range when we are around. I have also been trying to increase ventilation and decrease drafts since we live in Michigan we have significant temp either swings. Hopefully in the next year we will be able to build a lager coop and run.

I am planning on adding the double latches for doors and washers to further secure hardware cloth.

 

[Zzil09]

What's the size of the hardware cloth? I've read only 1/4" and smaller will prevent tiny paws from reaching through. After my coop barely survived a bear attack I also set up electric surrounding the coop that I turn on at night. The bear has returned twice and not touched my coop so I can only assume it is working. My only regret is not getting electric sooner. It's your first and most important line of defense (in my new humble opinion) for any chicken coop. Hopefully in most cases the shock would scare away most curious critters.

It’s only 1/2”