What materials are used for raccoon squirrel dog and cat proofing

[OVERxCAST]

I am making a coop today but I live in a area with squirrels raccoons cats and dogs I want to know the materials to keep them awAy and how to use them on a coop

 

[redsoxs]

I don't know much about keeping them away but heavy duty hardware cloth does a great job keeping them out and your chickens safe. Good luck to you!

 

[chynasparks]

Hardware cloth is the recommendation all throughout BYC forums. My hubby built a very strong coop but based on local opinions and their experience with their setup he chose chicken wire. We put double and dome places triple layer. He chose it because of cost. So I got me some solar motion detector lights in hopes it adds some security. I have squirrels occasional possum but never saw a coon. That doesn't mean they aren't there. I live right behind the police/city hall so there is activity around. Also I have a family of hawks that lived in one of our pine trees. They can't get my peeps so I like having them around. (Can't free range). Peeps are learning to go into the upper nest area at night, makes me feel better. All this being said, I say use hardware cloth. I can't help feeling we are taking a chance.

 

[thomasboyle]

As stated by others, 1/2" hardware wire is usually the barrier of choice. Anything larger can allow something to reach in and grab a quick chicken dinner. Hopefully you won't have too many problems with squirrels! I keep them away from the coop by hanging bird feeders around. Its fun to watch them hanging upside down on the feeders while eating.