natural-wild-life.blogspot.ca ```html Introduction: Building Your Own Fox-Proof Chicken Coop Keeping your chickens safe from predators, especially foxes, is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the steps of building a sturdy and secure chicken coop that will help protect your flock. We'll focus on key features like a raised coop, strong wire mesh, and secure closures.
Step 1: Planning and Design Before you start building, you need a plan. Consider the following: Size: How many chickens do you have or plan to have? A good rule of thumb is 4 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of run space per chicken. Location: Choose a well-drained location with some shade, if possible. Avoid low-lying areas that might flood. Materials: Decide on your materials. Wood is a common choice for the frame, and hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh or smaller) is essential for predator protection. Design: Sketch out your coop design, including the dimensions of the coop and run, the placement of the door, windows, and nesting boxes. Include a raised floor at least 12 inches off the ground to deter digging predators.
Step 2: Gathering Materials Once you have a plan, gather your materials. Here's a basic list: Lumber (for the frame, floor, walls, and roof) Hardware cloth (1/2 inch mesh or smaller) Nails and screws Chicken wire (for extra protection, if desired layered over the hardware cloth) Hinges and latches (for the door and nesting boxes) Roofing material (shingles, metal, or tar paper) Nesting boxes (one box for every 3-4 hens) Roosting bars Chicken coop door Wire staples
Step 3: Building the Frame Cut the lumber according to your plan. Assemble the base frame, ensuring it's square and level. Build the wall frames and attach them to the base frame. Construct the roof frame, considering the desired slope for water runoff. Attach the roof frame to the wall frames.
Step 4: Constructing the Floor and Walls Attach the floor to the base frame using screws. Cover the walls with hardware cloth, stapling it securely to the frame every few inches. Overlap the edges of the hardware cloth to prevent gaps. Bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter of the run, or bend it outward to form an apron. This prevents foxes from digging under the coop. Consider adding a layer of chicken wire over the hardware cloth for extra protection, especially if you have concerns about smaller predators.
Step 5: Building the Roof Cover the roof frame with plywood or OSB. Apply roofing material (shingles, metal, or tar paper) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overlap the roofing material properly to prevent leaks.
Step 6: Installing the Door, Nesting Boxes, and Roosting Bars Cut an opening for the chicken coop door and install the door with hinges and a secure latch. Choose a latch that foxes cannot easily open. Build or purchase nesting boxes and install them inside the coop. Place them in a sheltered, easily accessible location. Install roosting bars at varying heights inside the coop. Chickens prefer to roost off the ground.
Step 7: Building the Run Build a frame for the run, similar to the coop frame. Cover the run frame with hardware cloth, stapling it securely. Again, bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches deep or create an apron. Attach the run to the coop, ensuring a secure connection. Install a door to the run with a secure latch.
Step 8: Final Touches and Safety Checks Inspect the entire coop and run for any gaps or weak points. Reinforce them as needed. Smooth any sharp edges or points that could injure your chickens. Add bedding to the coop floor (straw, wood shavings, or sand). Provide fresh water and food for your chickens. Monitor your chickens closely for any signs of stress or injury after they are introduced to the new coop.
Conclusion: A Safe and Secure Home for Your Chickens By following these steps, you can build a fox-proof chicken coop that will keep your flock safe and healthy. Remember that regular maintenance and vigilance are essential to ensure the continued security of your coop. Check for any damage to the hardware cloth, latches, or other components regularly, and make repairs promptly. A well-built and maintained coop will provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable home for years to come.
``` Adrian Davey Bird & Wildlife Photography: Young Fox Portrait
www.adriandaveybirdphotography.co.uk Fox
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