Coop/run predator proof

[Megatron56]

Tips for this setup. Newbie with almost 6wk old chicks inside.
I tried to use free materials hence why there’s so many different objects.
I do have a dog and indoor/outdoor cat. I live in New Mexico desert so no woods near me. Concrete blocks for walls around my yard.
Predator wise I’m thinking aerial (hawks) and ground like coyotes, maybe other cats; and rodents of course.
I know the coop is secure… it’s nestera and they advertise predator proof. So if the chicks our locked each night this run should be ok?
Thanks for any tips and adjustments!

 

[dearmeghann]

I would say more zip ties if there are any cracks between the layers of hardware cloth. And maybe some solar motion lights? You might already have those!

Our outdoor cats didn't have a problem with the girls, but we waited until they were bigger before meeting in person.

You did such a great job!

 

[Megatron56]

I would say more zip ties if there are any cracks between the layers of hardware cloth. And maybe some solar motion lights? You might already have those!

Our outdoor cats didn't have a problem with the girls, but we waited until they were bigger before meeting in person.

You did such a great job!

Thanks!
Yes the cat will definitely eat them.. she’s a good hunter. The dog is afraid of them won’t even look at them.
I did get one motion sensor light in the corner.. do you think I need another? I thought those ball lights would be brighter and move around to scare things… but they are more a warm yellow lol very pretty but I don’t think predators will be deterred from them

 

[dearmeghann]

Thanks!
Yes the cat will definitely eat them.. she’s a good hunter. The dog is afraid of them won’t even look at them.
I did get one motion sensor light in the corner.. do you think I need another? I thought those ball lights would be brighter and move around to scare things… but they are more a warm yellow lol very pretty but I don’t think predators will be deterred from them

We swear by these. We had them at the older coop and bought a few more to make walking to the newer coop easier. We have them installed at knee/waist height and works great for predators on the ground. We had a metal run like this, zip ties were our best friends.

 

[ChaosMom]

Tips for this setup. Newbie with almost 6wk old chicks inside.
I tried to use free materials hence why there’s so many different objects.
I do have a dog and indoor/outdoor cat. I live in New Mexico desert so no woods near me. Concrete blocks for walls around my yard.
Predator wise I’m thinking aerial (hawks) and ground like coyotes, maybe other cats; and rodents of course.
I know the coop is secure… it’s nestera and they advertise predator proof. So if the chicks our locked each night this run should be ok?
Thanks for any tips and adjustments!

I’ve got a Nestera too! I think that they’re probably predator-proof for Britain, but maybe not for North America.

I’d guess that a raccoon could figure it out in about one minute.

I rely on a predator-proof RUN, and a predator-resistant coop with our setup.

(Note: I would also include black bears among our local predators, but they can break into my house, so.)

 

[WingItRanch]

This looks like chicken wire instead of hardware cloth?

If so, a racoon could easily get in and kill all your chicks.

Is the top only covered by that tarp or is there fencing, as well? Because the tarp also won't keep predators out.

 

[redinator]

The only thing I would possibly change is the wood plank around the edges if it isn't pressure treated it'll eventually rot. You could use a vinyl trim board instead.

 

[redinator]

This looks like chicken wire instead of hardware cloth?
View attachment 4098593

If so, a racoon could easily get in and kill all your chicks.

Is the top only covered by that tarp or is there fencing, as well? Because the tarp also won't keep predators out.

I have a similar run and per the instructions the chicken wire is there to support the weight of the tarp.

The only issue I have with mine is the door is 24-25" wide, so anything I want to put in the run has to built inside it. I have very nosy chickens that apparently don't care about the noise of power tools, so getting anything done is an exercise in extreme patience, lol.

 

[WingItRanch]

I have a similar run and per the instructions the chicken wire is there to support the weight of the tarp.

The only issue I have with mine is the door is 24-25" wide, so anything I want to put in the run has to built inside it. I have very nosy chickens that apparently don't care about the noise of power tools, so getting anything done is an exercise in extreme patience, lol.

I get that! I was painting a wall and had to shoo chickens away from the paint.

 

[redinator]

I get that! I was painting a wall and had to shoo chickens away from the paint.

They were trying to help you feather the paint, lol.