Tag: coop

Keeping your Chickens Safe from Fox

Fox Proofing the Chicken Coop & Suggestions to Keep Them Away 

The fox is an efficient and clever hunter with the capability to dig and maneuver through very small spaces.  With little effort, a fox can chew through chicken wire and open latches that are of simple operation. Factory-made coops often have both lightweight wire and flimsy latches which are merely an invitation to dinner for a fox.
Fox are mostly nocturnal animals, so your chickens are most at risk at night, unfortunately, when you’re sleeping.  However, a hungry fox who knows chickens are free ranging during the day, will hunt then.
They’re smart and patient, they will watch your coop for weeks before they attack. Every bird the fox can grab in the coop will be killed, often the entire flock will be completely wiped out. They’ll take as many birds from the coop with them. I think I have your attention now, so here’s what you can do to help protect your flock…
How to Fox Proof the Chicken Coop
A wire floor secured to the coop frame will prevent the fox from burrowing under the coop. You can get wire that has bigger holes so your chickens can still scratch in the dirt. If that’s not possible, attach a wire skirt around the coop so that a fox can’t dig or burrow near the coop. However, this means you won’t be able to move your coop.
Enclose the coop with heavy gauge wire and make sure there are no gaps in the corners, around doors, or where the sides meet the roof.
Put two sturdy latches on the coop door, or use a lock.
If there is access to the nest box make sure it’s locked at night.
Building or Buying a Coop?
Ideal housing for chickens where predators are a problem (which is everywhere) is a ventilated shed or structure with solid walls and a floor for overnight. An attached covered pen with heavy gauge wire and perimeter wire skirting for daytime use.
Suggestions to Help Keep Fox Away
Sensor lights near the coop help keep away foxes, you can easily buy solar and put them low to the ground.
Motion sprinklers near the coop are another option, predators are startled by water.
Hope this article helps you keep your flock safe!

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Chicken Roost Types and Ideas

50+ Roost Ideas for Your Chicken Coop

There are so many different types of roosts, which one is best for your coop? Does it matter? Nope, your birds just need something to roost on at night that’s suitable & easy to clean. It can be an old ladder, maybe something cool you design from scrap lumber. Or… you can be creative and come up with something unique.  Just be sure there are at least 10-12 inches of roosting space for each bird. Plenty of space equals HARMONY.
Why are Roosts Important?
It’s an instinct for chickens to look for a safe place to retire for the night. Not only are they protecting themselves from predators, but also inclement weather.  Chickens sleeping in the nest box is something I like to discourage for hygiene reasons.  Nest boxes are for laying eggs, roosts are for resting or sleeping.
Need a few ideas on what type of roost is best for your birds?

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Best Way to Catch a Chicken

If you’ve ever had to catch a chicken you know it’s not an easy task.
Here’s the Simple Way

You probably already know a chicken can run faster than a human, so chasing a bird around like a maniac is going to get you nowhere. To make it even more difficult, chickens are smart, so any device you’ve used before such as a pole or net, is something they’ll remember immediately, and run.
There’s a simple answer to catching a chicken, the only drawback is you’re going to have to work at night. Wait until your chickens have gone to roost for the evening. Enter the coop wearing a headlamp (keep the beam of light pointed at the ground) hover over the bird and place both hands over the wings so the bird can’t flap around. Then gently remove the chicken from the perch. You can wrap a towel around the bird if you’ll be treating it medically, or if you just want a bit more security, especially if you’re handling a rooster.
Chickens are happiest when they’re in a comfortable and predictable environment.  If one of your birds has escaped from the coop, it will enjoy the freedom for a while, but come sundown it will return to the safety of the coop to roost for the night. The rest of the flock will rarely leave the coop at dusk, so it’s a good bet you’re safe to open the coop door for your escapees’ return.
Remain calm and unhurried, a chicken will easily pick up on your anxiety. You don’t want the bird to be reluctant or fearful to return to the coop. A sparse trail of scratch leading into the coop might add a bit of helpful incentive.  Keep your distance from the coop door, wait for the bird to join the flock, then approach the coop to close the door.

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