wire around coop

[bajabirdbrain]

We are optimistic that predator protection is well addressed. We recognize that using chicken wire for an apron is not the strongest option but we will be careful in monitoring our run and if any attempted breach is noted, further action will be done. BB

 

[Tarce123]

This is wonderful information, we have a terrible raccoon problem in my area and I am getting ready to build my coop. Thank you for this!

 

[cindyloowhoo]

Thanks for this info. I'm going to go with the HW skirt. Live no where near suburbs or city..nope we're remote farm/ranch area and skunks are the biggest threat. However, I've been told of an occasional weasel or something else getting in. Just want my girls as safe as they can be. Thanks so much

 

[rehsanipoor]

@Howard E Total novice here. Do you drive those steeples in with a hammer or nail/staple gun?

 

[Howard E]

Hammer........the heavier fence steeples and not the light weight 3/4" version for poultry netting.......box says staples.......but what do they know?

 

[FiddleChics]

My 2 cents... I used screws with metal washers - & screwed through one of the holes in the 1/2 inch hardware wire - into the base of the coop, about 3" under the top soil (raked it away)... and spaced the screws with the washers - about every 3-4 inches... but I have a 6'x14' coop, so not hugely overwhelming. I then put the light soil back... and it's not visible, nor unsightly... I don't know... it might be overkill... but I don't worry about the predators (so much) now.

 

[Molpet]

I have the HWC apron and it was worked great until this year. In 2 coops the moles have tunneled in. While moles are not a predator, I am hoping a weasel doesn't find its way in through a mole run.

 

[Howard E]

I have the HWC apron and it was worked great until this year. In 2 coops the moles have tunneled in. While moles are not a predator, I am hoping a weasel doesn't find its way in through a mole run.

Wire aprons are good stop most digging predators like foxes, coyotes, coons, skunks, dogs, etc, but the smaller vermin that live in tunnels....rats, mice, moles, gophers, etc. can get past it. I doubt even hardware cloth will help as they will tunnel in from beyond. And weasels can go down in those tunnels.....rats, etc. and weasels can dig too.

And burying the wire won't help with rats.......they will dig down under it and come up on the other side.

What I'm leading to is to suggest if you are in this for the long haul, or have the option to do so, the very best floor you can have is cement. Elevated above the ground, it will be dry......and more or less rodent and predator proof, durable and easy to clean. For at least the past 100 years, cement floors have been the A#1 best choice for a chicken house floor. Just thought I'd mention it in case some of you have the option.

 

[aart]

I have the HWC apron and it was worked great until this year. In 2 coops the moles have tunneled in. While moles are not a predator, I am hoping a weasel doesn't find its way in through a mole run.

Wonders how deep moles/voles will dig?

 

[Molpet]

Wonders how deep moles/voles will dig?

I think they go below the frost line in the winter.. which is close to 4' here some years
I bet they go deeper than I want to dig around a coop