Testing the coop predator-proof-ness

[CritterHill]

We get our chicks Tuesday and the coop isn't quite done yet, so we have some time before the coop will be occupied.

What is the best way to test the predator-proofness of the coop?

I am thinking of locking it up and leaving an open can of cat food in it overnight, but I don't necessarily want to *attract* predators to the coop since they are used to eating the leftover cat food off our back porch...

Good idea? Bad idea?

I'd really like to know where the weak links are BEFORE we get the chickens out there...

I'm already planning on sleeping out in the run for the first couple nights they are locked in the coop.

It'll be a while before I get the web cam set up (no electric out there yet) and I'm not sure the baby monitor signal will be strong enough to get to the house.

 

[CUDA]

If you are getting chicks, you might want to brood them first, depending on the age of them. As far as predator proof, there is no such thing. Do the best you can on your coop and run, and trap all the critters you can, and dispose of them, and get a good dog to run your yard at night. Good luck!

 

[CritterHill]

Yes, sorry, I wasn't clear about the chicks. We will be brooding them in the house for quite a while so I have lots of time before they will be in the coop.

Trapping all the predators in the area is an impossible job! We are in the middle of hundreds of acres of gamelands, no way we could depopulate the predators out here.

And my DH hates dogs

much as I like that option.

I will go over the coop with a fine tooth comb once it is done and hope for the best.

 

[CUDA]

Trust me, I live in the sticks, so I know about having lots of predators to deal with, but you can do a lot with trapping to keep the population down in your near area. If you want to give it a go, let me know and I will be glad to help you out. It will make a difference.

 

[CritterHill]

Thanks for the offer CUDA. Checked with the DH and he wants to have a go at the impenetrable barrier method before doing anything like trapping.

I think I will try cat food in the run/coop before the chickens are in residence to see if we have any obvious holes.

I'll let you know if we change our minds on trapping.

(DH's reply was actually pretty funny, but the sarcasm content was pretty high and I don't want to post it for fear of offending anyone...)

 

[chcknrs]

I know it sounds wierd but.....
human male urine can discourage some predators.

 

[CUDA]

That's quite true chcknrs, I make a habit of urinating around my pens furthest from the house.

 

[CritterHill]

Time to bring extra beer to the hubby while he is out working on the coop!

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Unless there are obvious holes or weak rotted spots in your structure or fencing, I think you're safe. What are you doubting? Whether the materials are strong enough? Like whether chickenwire is going to hold? If you have doubts, replace the materials with stronger or tighter ones.

 

[CritterHill]

Quote:
I guess my biggest concerns is whether the joins of the various pieces of wire in the run are joined strongly enough and whether we have laid the wire out along the ground far out enough to discourage diggers (we can't sink it straight down into the ground because of the rocks).

That sort of stuff. I'm pretty confident the materials are strong enough, it is just our assembly I am questioning.