This is for my mom who just got some new chicks and has a little bit of time to build a pen for them. We are trying to find a good design that keeps out the Racoons & Skunks which abound in her area.
I know there has to be some good designs out there by now. Please let me know... any help is appreciated
2007-03-16 21:54:48 · 8 answers · asked by danathefairy1 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes Seahorse pleease do send me a pic... Flywho too if possible.
We really appreciate it guys :)
2007-03-17 06:11:41 · update #1
Danathefairy@yahoo.com
2007-03-17 06:16:50 · update #2
1 bad *** dog
2007-03-16 21:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by crengle60 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to keep out coons is to lock up your chickens in a building. Coons can get into just about any fenced in pen if they want to. I have a shed that is attached to my run area where my roost is placed, so they automatically go in every night, and all I have to do is slide the door shut. Also, keeping a dog in the yard will solve this problem for the most part. Coons, possums, skunks, etc. will avoid a yard that has a dog watching it, even if the dog won't attack them. The dog scent will work wonders on keeping pests away. Good luck!
2007-03-20 01:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by yzwreckin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've built mine by using used fence panels from American Fence Company.
These are left-over panels from construction sites etc., where they rent these panels out. They're cheaper than new ones, and most are in ok condition.
I paid $25 for each 4' x 12' panel, and you can just bolt them together.
To keep anything from digging under, you can lay down a couple of panels, then attach them to the uprights, and then attach a 'roof' with more panels.
This will keep out coons, foxes, wolves, dogs, anything that would try to dig under a fence to get at the chickens, and also owls, hawks and other predatory birds from above.
2007-03-16 22:05:52 · answer #3 · answered by flywho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just built one last weekend. It's 8'x12'x6' high,all framed with 1/2"x1/2" square wire on the sides,ground with a galvanized steel roof. I had a problem with weasels killing my entire flock. This coop is varmit proof. I can send you a pic if you'd like. Cost about $200.00 for materials and a few hours to make.
2007-03-17 00:51:26 · answer #4 · answered by seahorse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...it's not so much the design but the materials used... to keep the "critters" out you need a good quality chicken wire and it must cover the entire coop and pen area... roof, walls etc. and down into the ground at least 12 to 18 inches... these "critters" dig too... any weak point will be exploited by the "bad-guys"... then too... those sticky glue traps... place then at the door ways... it won't hurt the bad-guys but they sure dont like gett'n that goop on their paws...
2007-03-16 22:02:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd need chicken wire, the the small openings. We tried using regular wire fence for our chickens and they keep on escaping. You'd have to have a roof too, since Racoons can climb.
2007-03-17 05:27:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chicken wire does work well, but I have actually experienced raccoons grabbing ahold of the chicks legs and pulling their legs off. Pretty disgusting to find all your chicks legless...
2007-03-23 20:40:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES...GET A DOG!!!
2007-03-24 03:59:38 · answer #8 · answered by lizzy2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋