Won't leave the coop

[Lrosell31]

Thank you!! I will try that. The mesh is to keep the groundhog and other diggers out.

I’m not sure if I’m giving you the right answers. But it works for my backyard birds so far.

 

[chickens really]

Move the feed and water outside, do your cleaning, move feed and water back inside.
They'll figure it out.

...

 

[aart]

The mesh is to keep the groundhog and other diggers out

A ground hog, and most other predators, will chew right thru that plastic mesh.

Think about anti-digger aprons instead, much more effective.
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[ChickenCanoe]

X2
And groundhogs don't eat chicken.

 

[_thelaurent]

A ground hog, and most other predators, will chew right thru that plastic mesh.

Think about anti-digger aprons instead, much more effective.
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[_thelaurent]

Thanks!!

 

[_thelaurent]

They are out!! I had to shoo them out, but they're loving being in the run. I appreciate everyone's feedback! Next project...anti digging aprons

 

[_thelaurent]

X2
And groundhogs don't eat chicken.

No, they dont. But they don't backfill their own holes either. Aside from the occasional skunk, they are the biggest culprits around here. And they like the same snacks my ladies do.

 

[aart]

But they don't backfill their own holes either.

....and they dig some hellacious holes, that others may use.