Snake proof a coop?

[TwistedTayy]

We have some ducklings that are getting ready to go out into a soon-to-be newly built coop with attached (and covered) run (the producers pride defender from tractor supply). I know for that model the run will have to be reinforced with hardware cloth but I’m wondering what size and should I do all 4 sides and the roof? Or just a couple feet high on the sides?

ive heard hawks in the trees by the house and the neighbors have seen 2 king snakes cruising around. We are in Georgia and I’m not sure about specifics to this property but we have bobcats, raccoons, coyotes, opossum, armadillo, and I’m sure owls rats weasels etc in the west Georgia area. There are also wild rabbits that hang out in our yard so I’m SURE there are predators about. Luckily no really big ones though.

 

[aart]

1/2" hardware cloth everywhere, including an apron.

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Confused why you chose the Defender??? Ducks nest on the ground, most of that coop won't be used.

 

[McChooky]

Nothing worse than a weasel .They'll kill the whole flock and only eat on one or two.

 

[TwistedTayy]

Confused why you chose the Defender??? Ducks nest on the ground, most of that coop won't be used.
View attachment 2705540

Chose the defender because we get prolific rain here in Georgia so I was worried about flooding… the nest boxes in there are on the “ground” floor on that but the ground floor is up enough that even the craziest flooding won’t flood the coop. The ramp will be changed so it’s not so steep. Ducks will go up into a coop if that’s where it’s dry.

 

[TwistedTayy]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I’ll definitely need to proof the run

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Good luck with adjusting the ramp. I'm in north FL panhandle region- no stranger to rain, we usually get it roll thru a few hours before GA catches it. 59" a year is our average.

Of the TSC pre-builts, it does benefit from the largest run, and more ventilation than most. I was half hoping you were going to say that the floor could be dropped to half the height with a few new screw holes...

Some berms and swales to help manage water around the run will certainly help - but when it pours, yeah. I feel you. We've had two rains exceeding 10 yr records so far this year.

 

[TwistedTayy]

Good luck with adjusting the ramp. I'm in north FL panhandle region- no stranger to rain, we usually get it roll thru a few hours before GA catches it. 59" a year is our average.

Of the TSC pre-builts, it does benefit from the largest run, and more ventilation than most. I was half hoping you were going to say that the floor could be dropped to half the height with a few new screw holes...

Some berms and swales to help manage water around the run will certainly help - but when it pours, yeah. I feel you. We've had two rains exceeding 10 yr records so far this year.

Well we were thinking of building up that “under area” as a goose house, making a platform and framing it in… I’ll post photos of how that goes… we have a pair of pilgrims so they would fit if they wanted to — wanted being the key word, depends what happens when everyone grows up I guess… still trying to figure out predators… rain and otherwise, but I’ve had nothing bother my 3 wk old pekins that are outside, biggest threat so far is heat…