Predator Proof Free Range Chicken Coop

If you free range your chickens you will also want to consider how predator friendly your yard is.

Predator proof free range chicken coop.

This will serve as the chicken run yard or outdoor feeding area. 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. But free range birds are often taken by foxes bobcats hawks dogs or other predators so unless you have guardian dogs that. One of the biggest mistakes you can make while keeping a flock of backyard chickens is to not provide them adequate predator protection.

Surprisingly chicken wire was designed to keep chickens in but not predators out. Predator proof both coop and runs. You should realize however that when you free range your chickens there is always a risk of a predator attack. Use chicken wire or welded wire mesh with holes no bigger than half an inch.

It s no secret that most predator attacks happen while chickens are out of the coop. Don t risk losing your backyard chickens to predators. If you re having trouble with predators you can keep your chickens in their safe run or stay with them while they free range. Some predators like fisher cats raccoons and snakes can easily access your chickens through the larger links in the wiring.

Keep your hens safe with these 24 features you ll find on a predator proof chicken coop. Don t allow chickens to roost outside chickens are. Limit free range time. During mild weather we can leave the pop doors to the run open giving the chickens constant access to the runs.

It takes additional time effort and money to predator proof a run but for us it has been well worth it. An awareness of coop security basics goes a long way towards keeping backyard pets safe from unwelcome hungry visitors 1. Most predators are afraid of dogs and will avoid your property entirely if they sense you have a dog. Provide an enclosure around the coop.

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. There is no way you can completely predator proof your yard without turning it into a giant enclosure. Build this predator proof portable chicken coop for your backyard. Instead of chicken wire opt for 1 2 inch hardware cloth instead.