Tips for Building a Predator Proof Chicken Coop
Keeping chickens has become more popular of late.
With more and more people wanting to be more self sustainable the number of chicken owners has grown.
However it is not as simple as getting a couple of chickens and collecting the eggs.
You have to bear in mind that other animals like to eat chickens too, so you need to make your chicken coop predator proof.
1.
The first tip I can give you us to be aware of which predators you are likely to see in your area.
Keeps a look out in your backyard see if you see anything prowling about before you get your chickens.
You could also ask neighbours who keep chickens if they have had any problems.
Knowing what predators could appear allows you to be ready for them.
2.
When deciding on a location for your chicken coop, try and keep it within sight, just in case you hear anything untoward you can take a peek.
You may even want to build a mobile chicken coop so you can move them further away during the day and bring them back nearer the house at night.
3.
If you think you will have a lot of digging predators, then it is a good idea to build your chicken coop low to the ground which will not allow any predators to dig underneath it, also your fencing will need to be lower than ground level to deter them digging at the bottom of the fence.
This is done by simply digging a trench about 12 inches deep and then filling it in once the fence is built.
4.
If you suspect larger predators to be around your backyard then you will need to ensure you have a strong, heavy duty fence.
Having a fence of this nature will deter larger animals from trying to kill your chickens.
5.
Another point is to remember is to make sure you can secure your chicken coop at night time.
If there are holes or loose boards then the predators will be able to get in or your chickens may be able to get out.
When you have made the decision to keep chickens you need to bear these points in mind if want a healthy flock.
Being aware of the predators that surround your area will make sure that you are ready for them.
If you follow these pointers you will be able to enjoy fresh eggs in the mornings for many months to come.
With more and more people wanting to be more self sustainable the number of chicken owners has grown.
However it is not as simple as getting a couple of chickens and collecting the eggs.
You have to bear in mind that other animals like to eat chickens too, so you need to make your chicken coop predator proof.
1.
The first tip I can give you us to be aware of which predators you are likely to see in your area.
Keeps a look out in your backyard see if you see anything prowling about before you get your chickens.
You could also ask neighbours who keep chickens if they have had any problems.
Knowing what predators could appear allows you to be ready for them.
2.
When deciding on a location for your chicken coop, try and keep it within sight, just in case you hear anything untoward you can take a peek.
You may even want to build a mobile chicken coop so you can move them further away during the day and bring them back nearer the house at night.
3.
If you think you will have a lot of digging predators, then it is a good idea to build your chicken coop low to the ground which will not allow any predators to dig underneath it, also your fencing will need to be lower than ground level to deter them digging at the bottom of the fence.
This is done by simply digging a trench about 12 inches deep and then filling it in once the fence is built.
4.
If you suspect larger predators to be around your backyard then you will need to ensure you have a strong, heavy duty fence.
Having a fence of this nature will deter larger animals from trying to kill your chickens.
5.
Another point is to remember is to make sure you can secure your chicken coop at night time.
If there are holes or loose boards then the predators will be able to get in or your chickens may be able to get out.
When you have made the decision to keep chickens you need to bear these points in mind if want a healthy flock.
Being aware of the predators that surround your area will make sure that you are ready for them.
If you follow these pointers you will be able to enjoy fresh eggs in the mornings for many months to come.
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