We are here! Predator protection design ideas pretty please!

[Rachelz]

We're ready to add hardware cloth to the bottom of future coop and run. I've read a TON but of course going from concept to execution is the trick. Should we be wrapping the bottom, exterior of the run and coop area in hardware cloth, extending it through the ditch and then cover with rocks? That's what we're thinking, would love experienced ppl to weigh in on our plan!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@DobieLover

 

[rosemarythyme]

I personally wouldn't put HWC on the bottom of a run. Apron it out or downwards for predator protection, but chickens can dig pretty deep so if you do install any type of wire under the run it needs to be at least 6-8" or more under the surface so they don't tear up their feet clawing at it.

 

[DobieLover]

I would never put HC on the bottom of the run. It just isn't a good idea when a 2' predator apron laid across the ground will do the job with no risk of the chickens feet getting injured by their natural scratching.

I placed my vertical supports 4'OC and ran 4' wide 1/2" HC from the top, down then spread it out 2' over the ground and pinned the outer edge down with HD landscape staples. You can then just let the grass grow through the cloth.

It looks like your setup is being built over a section of ground that has been dug out lower than the surrounding area. If that is correct, it is likely going to end up having rainwater and runoff pour into the area and keep it wet longer than it should be. Structures should always be built on high ground with the area surrounding it pitched away on all sides. Just like a house.

 

[Ted Brown]

I elevated my coop on a 4x4 posts & beam. Height under coop is ~36" and I put 6" drip edge between the beams & wall sections.

Advantages are twofold: deters varmints & small critters from ingress; adds run space in what is otherwise wasted.

 

[Rachelz]

I would never put HC on the bottom of the run. It just isn't a good idea when a 2' predator apron laid across the ground will do the job with no risk of the chickens feet getting injured by their natural scratching.

I placed my vertical supports 4'OC and ran 4' wide 1/2" HC from the top, down then spread it out 2' over the ground and pinned the outer edge down with HD landscape staples. You can then just let the grass grow through the cloth.

It looks like your setup is being built over a section of ground that has been dug out lower than the surrounding area. If that is correct, it is likely going to end up having rainwater and runoff pour into the area and keep it wet longer than it should be. Structures should always be built on high ground with the area surrounding it pitched away on all sides. Just like a house.

We put in a ton of drainage tile under the dirt. We're also going to replace the wooden swingset barrier with stone, and our plan is construction sand substrate. Right now, we're planning on a hardware cloth apron extending out from the run and coop area. The deepest parts will be held in place with rock and the shallower parts will be held in place with dig resistant spikes and a foot or two of apron over the grass.