How many chickens in this coop ( chicken math on steroids)

[matheny00]

Do have a question about preditor proofing. The coop is on a slab so once inside they are safe. The run is 6x17 and will be built on cinter block buried 5 inches in the ground. We don't have raccoons but do have possums, squirrels, rats, cats. So do I need a buried fence still? I live in the city

 

[Ted Brown]

Most folks here use hardware cloth "aprons". The are attached to the ground level bottom of the run (either the wood surround or to the HC on the walls) and extend out horizontally ~18". Make sure to overlap the corners and use the long U shaped ground stakes.

Much easier that buried fence.

 

[matheny00]

But you've already built the PB at the short end. The roosts go over the PB.

I know where they go just not sure if I want them to attach to the walls or a ladder type.

 

[matheny00]

Most folks here use hardware cloth "aprons". The are attached to the ground level bottom of the run (either the wood surround or to the HC on the walls) and extend out horizontally ~18". Make sure to overlap the corners and use the long U shaped ground stakes.

Much easier that buried fence.

So still add that even though I have the buried cinder block?

 

[Ted Brown]

So still add that even though I have the buried cinder block?

Absolutely!

Some of the predators you mention are diggers. They will approach the wall and then start to dig; 5" is insufficient to keep them out.

With HC laid horizontally on the ground they approach the wall, start to dig and hit the HC. Not smart enough to backup and start again.

 

[matheny00]

Absolutely!

Some of the predators you mention are diggers. They will approach the wall and then start to dig; 5" is insufficient to keep them out.

With HC laid horizontally on the ground they approach the wall, start to dig and hit the HC. Not smart enough to backup and start again.

Ok add this to my todo list. Thank you

 

[rosemarythyme]

So still add that even though I have the buried cinder block?

You mentioned rats. You definitely have digging pests then. So yes on the apron.

 

[ChookaPete]

That looks way too small.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Absolutely!

Some of the predators you mention are diggers. They will approach the wall and then start to dig; 5" is insufficient to keep them out.

With HC laid horizontally on the ground they approach the wall, start to dig and hit the HC. Not smart enough to backup and start again.

I use a minimum of 12" laid flat. I'm not sure what it was that tried to dig in but could have been a fox, coyote, dog, or something else.

I lay it flat, not straight down, but I bury it about 2". That generally means to take the turf off, lay the wire, and put the turf back (or dirt). That way the wire stays flat and out of the way of weed eaters and lawn mowers.

 

[dearmeghann]

I know where they go just not sure if I want them to attach to the walls or a ladder type.

How deep is the shelf? Is it possible to remove and have two roosting bars in that space? But staggered so they wouldn't be pooing on the ones below? Or are you able to maybe create a sideways roost? But stop it before it gets to the door?