Most of us want to protect our babies, building a predator-proof chicken coop is most likely the most important component of protecting them. The listing can be daunting. Here are a few quick ideas to get you started with Melbourne FL Wildlife Control.
Motion sensor lighting is a clear first choice. Night predators such as coyotes fox and owls hunt during the night and are easily spooked just by the light turning on and off. Although this has worked in a variety of situations for many people it is not always the end it all solution your looking for. Eventually, the predator will be hungry enough to ignore the light or at least make a mad dash to the food in hopes they’ll get away with it.
Secure your chickens during the nighttime hours to keep them from predators. A predator-proof chicken coop must be strong enough to keep the regional hungry animals out. A determined raccoon will undo your latches, they’re smart creatures too! Using 2 step latches really helps. Bear in mind a raccoon can open the same locks a 2 yr old can. Close up any small holes snakes, rats, rodents or weasels may have the ability to enter through. These guys will eat your eggs and not stop coming back even if they have been relocated.
Chicken wire is quite thin it’s designed to keep the chickens inside, most creatures can easily tear it apart from the outside. Rather, use 1/2 hardware cloth were necessary to keep out small animals like mice and rodents and livestock fencing to keep out the bigger predators. Keep in mind that some animals like fox and coyotes can dig a few feet in a couple of minutes. Extending the cloth or cable down into the ground usually prevents them from digging any further than the fence. My experience tells me that predators are lazy and will always choose the easiest food available and leave your chickens alone if they have to work too hard to get it.
A caged roof over the run keeps those pesky flying and climbing predators out. A predator-proof chicken coop can keep overhead risks away like owl, hawks and other birds of prey. Yes, birds of prey can fly away with your chickens. The Orpington Chicken which is a fairly large breed! Generally, cheap netting will work unless you are experiencing trouble with animals climbing over the fence and attacking your babies.
To conclude, your place decides what it takes to make a predator-proof chicken coop. Different areas and settings have various predators and dangers. Sometimes an electric fence is necessary especially if your in a place that has bears and bobcats for predators. Not a lot of animals will go any farther than the original poke, it shocks them!