Predator-proofing without digging

[schambo]

Because of where my coop/run is going, it's very hard to dig (lots of roots from a large tree, etc.). Burying hardware cloth, etc. becomes very difficult. What are some other good alternatives? I was thinking if I can get the pavers for cheap enough that I would put the base on 24"x24" patio stones extending about 6" into the coop and 18" outside the perimeter of the coop, if that makes sense? Another option might be a wire apron buried under gravel? Any other suggestions?

 

[DobieLover]

Because of where my coop/run is going, it's very hard to dig (lots of roots from a large tree, etc.). Burying hardware cloth, etc. becomes very difficult. What are some other good alternatives? I was thinking if I can get the pavers for cheap enough that I would put the base on 24"x24" patio stones extending about 6" into the coop and 18" outside the perimeter of the coop, if that makes sense? Another option might be a wire apron buried under gravel? Any other suggestions?

Just install an 18"-24" predator apron and pin down the outer edge with HD landscape pins.

 

[schambo]

Just install an 18"-24" predator apron and pin down the outer edge with HD landscape pins.
View attachment 3202824

Hardware cloth?

 

[DobieLover]

Hardware cloth?

That's what I used.

 

[CaliforniaMountainChicks]

Just install an 18"-24" predator apron and pin down the outer edge with HD landscape pins.
View attachment 3202824

I second this option! The main predators in my area are diggers (especially the coyote). People around me have lost their whole flocks to coyotes digging into their runs. I installed a 3 foot wide predator apron with 1/2'' mesh, I used black pvc coated hardware cloth since that is what I had from building my run. On our property is what we call the coyote highway, it's a wash that coyotes use to travel through, we hear them daily. I have not had a single break in with this apron. I did bury it down an inch or two since I don't get grass where I live to cover it up. 3' out could be considered overkill, 2 ft is probably sufficient, I just had 3' hardware cloth so that is what I used.

 

[perkolator]

Same here with hardware cloth. Over summer added skirt around my additional run and didn't feel like digging. Took 3ft HC and ripped it in half to 18" with angle grinder, raked the loose debris/leaves away so it was somewhat flat, set it down with landscape fabric pins and raked the leaves back on top so the predators don't see it.

 

[aart]

Just install an 18"-24" predator apron and pin down the outer edge with HD landscape pins.

Ditto Dat!

Here's a couple other examples:
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Save the pavers for inside the run:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

 

[KYChick13]

Just install an 18"-24" predator apron and pin down the outer edge with HD landscape pins.
View attachment 3202824

I did the same but threw a couple of inches of mulch over the top of the hardware cloth.

 

[DobieLover]

I did the same but threw a couple of inches of mulch over the top of the hardware cloth.

Grass grew through mine and you can't even tell it's there.

 

[Toothpick]

Grass grew through mine and you can't even tell it's there.

Same! It works so well that when I moved the coop I had to leave the hardware cloth on the ground because I couldn’t pull it up. The grass had grown through it all and it had became a part of the earth. I had to cut it off the coop and leave it.