Predator Proof Free Range Chicken Coop

Predator proof both coop and runs.

Predator proof free range chicken coop.

If you re having trouble with predators you can keep your chickens in their safe run or stay with them while they free range. Secure it with a tight fence high enough about 4 feet and deep enough 1 5 feet underground to keep jumping and digging predators at bay. It takes additional time effort and money to predator proof a run but for us it has been well worth it. Whether chickens free range or are primarily confined to the coop and run protecting them from predators can be one of the most challenging aspects of backyard chicken keeping.

Use chicken wire or welded wire mesh with holes no bigger than half an inch. Some predators like fisher cats raccoons and snakes can easily access your chickens through the larger links in the wiring. Surprisingly chicken wire was designed to keep chickens in but not predators out. During mild weather we can leave the pop doors to the run open giving the chickens constant access to the runs.

Don t risk losing your backyard chickens to predators. Provide an enclosure around the coop. You must have a safe predator proof chicken coop. If you free range your chickens you will also want to consider how predator friendly your yard is.

It s no secret that most predator attacks happen while chickens are out of the coop. Most predators are afraid of dogs and will avoid your property entirely if they sense you have a dog. Build this predator proof portable chicken coop for your backyard. One of the biggest mistakes you can make while keeping a flock of backyard chickens is to not provide them adequate predator protection.

An awareness of coop security basics goes a long way towards keeping backyard pets safe from unwelcome hungry visitors 1. Keep your hens safe with these 24 features you ll find on a predator proof chicken coop. This will serve as the chicken run yard or outdoor feeding area. This chicken coop is elevated off the ground to provide proper air circulation and as an added barrier to small predators.

But free range birds are often taken by foxes bobcats hawks dogs or other predators so unless you have guardian dogs that. Instead of chicken wire opt for 1 2 inch hardware cloth instead. You should realize however that when you free range your chickens there is always a risk of a predator attack. Creating a predator proof chicken coop will keep the birds safe when roosting at night adding a predator proof chicken run will prevent daytime predators from attacking your chickens.