Raising some friends again.

Pics
Date sort Score sort
We have small owls and small hawks. Am I setting myself for disaster doing this? I can fortify my old shed/coop with hardware cloth. In the past having a coop was a rat magnet.
I have lots to learn but please feel free to give me some constructive criticism.
 
John_D said:
We have small owls and small hawks. Am I setting myself for disaster doing this? I can fortify my old shed/coop with hardware cloth. In the past having a coop was a rat magnet.
I have lots to learn but please feel free to give me some constructive criticism.
Click to expand...

Owls and hawks do present a threat to chickens. Maybe if you share a picture of your coop, we can offer some tips on how you could modify it to make it stronger against predators.
 
Hiya, and welcome to BYC! :frow Sorry about the loss of your former flock. :hugs

I agree to either fix your old one or build/buy them a new one. You could check out FB Marketplace, as we were looking for something else yesterday and saw several coops for sale. I guess that the ones who rushed to buy chicks a few months ago now realize it's a little work to raise chickens, or the coop they bought was too small.

1/2" hardware cloth can secure them in at night. If you make them a run for them by day, that too will need to be secure, as those raccoons are most likely still around, and maybe other vermin. They make electrified poultry netting, or garden netting for on the top for aerial predators.

We're glad you're here!
 
N F C said:
Owls and hawks do present a threat to chickens. Maybe if you share a picture of your coop, we can offer some tips on how you could modify it to make it stronger against predators.
Click to expand...
sourland said:
Welcome to BYC. I'd go with hardware cloth and hotwire as a protection against predators.
Click to expand...
This is a basic pic of my old hen house. I am ripping off the roof and installing clear roofing. It's 8 foot by 6 foot. Sorry about the clutter, spring cleaning.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20250519_170813465_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20250519_170813465_HDR.jpg
    760.5 KB · Views: 4
John_D said:
This is a basic pic of my old hen house. I am ripping off the roof and installing clear roofing. It's 8 foot by 6 foot. Sorry about the clutter, spring cleaning.
Click to expand...
Keep that big overhang in your re-roof. Remove the panels in the 'windows' and cover the openings with 1/2" hardware cloth. Make a frame to fit inside the opening with plexiglass and install it top hinged so you can hang them open for most of the year. Like this:
windows open.jpg

I have hooks installed on the window frames and on the rafter tails above. The windows are held open with a chain.
If possible, open up the space above the door (all the way across) and on the rear load bearing wall too for good flow through of fresh air. Cover these vents with 1/2" hardware cloth.
 
John_D said:
I think in going to try to keep my hens outside of a coop this time. I put up a 8' closet pole 6 feet off the ground for the hen and she sleeps on it every night.

My other chickens were in a coop where they were slaughtered after the raccoons ate through the siding.

It doesn't freeze here or get over 100 degrees. My older chickens ranged my neighborhood during the day after I let them out in the morning. They never failed to come home at dusk.
Click to expand...
Chickens do not see well in the dark and they sleep soundly. The only way to protect them is to put them in a hardware cloth covered pen and coop.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom