Predator-Proofing a Prefab Coop

[Mackenziemara]

We bought the Producer's Pride Defender coop secondhand and are trying to make it completely predator proof. We are moving to a new house this weekend and there is a mama fox with four kits who have a den probably 20 feet from the back fence line. This thing needs to be solid. Modifications we've already made include attaching spring loaded eye hooks to all the doors. I'm going to wrap the bottom half of the run and all the gaps where the run pieces attach with hardware cloth. I'm planning on adding a skirt around the run (how many feet out should I go?) and then adding pavers on top of it. My issue right now is what to do around the coop itself. The doors on the sides will open up to the run area, so I want to keep those functional. As you can see, there is no exposed wood underneath the door. It's wrapped in metal. How can I add a skirt around the coop without having to drill into the metal? Is there a better way? I was considering the Dig Defence barrier, but I've seen mixed reviews.

 

[barn206]

congratulations on your home!
that fencing is great.. I have the same for my run. If you could buy 2 more panels, I’d put the coop inside the run and call it a day ! Lots of people I’ve seen do it that way.
good luck

 

[David61]

Do not put pavers. They will try to start digging at the edge. If they try to dig, you want them to try at the base of the wall Put the skirt fencing down and bring it up on the inside. Zip tie it. 16" - 24" skirt. Any heavy wire. Chain link, 2x4 animal, HC... You may want to look at electric wire fence as a skirt.

 

[barn206]

David61 has some good advice. I didn’t realize the coop was designed for those panels.. I apologize. I zip tied cattle panels cut in half along the bottom as a skirt and anchored them down with steel rods. I ended up putting crusher run around the coops and run because I was tired of walking in mud , however the chickens have been safe the whole time . I hope this helps

 

[aart]

Do not put pavers. They will try to start digging at the edge.

DittoDat!!

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[NatJ]

My issue right now is what to do around the coop itself. The doors on the sides will open up to the run area, so I want to keep those functional.

Could you lay pavers or a sheet of plywood inside the coop area, to cover the entire floor of it? The doors could still open outward, because the extra height would be inside.

 

[April and Andy]

Is chicken wire an usable material for an apron?

 

[2Old2Crow]

I’m in the minority here I’m sure. But the foxes have to go, wherever it takes. I lost my entire flock to one fox. They will watch and watch and watch, then attack. It’s terrible to see the aftermath!

 

[RobertaD1]

Is chicken wire an usable material for an apron?

I wouldnt use chicken wire for an apron... they will cut right through it! I used hardware cloth.

 

[David61]

I wouldnt use chicken wire for an apron... they will cut right through it! I used hardware cloth.

They call it chicken wire because the only animal that can not get through it is a chicken.