Predators are inevitable. Just when you think things are quiet and going well, they usually show up. Here in Central OH, our biggest issues are hawks, racoons, and minks. Unfortunately, a hawk got one of our Polish in October 2021. Racoons paid a visit in July 2022 (though they couldn't get into the coops). We haven't had a run in with mink, but a farm just 10 minutes from us had a mink wipe out half of their flock and they had over a hundred laying hens.
Now, I'm going to state that some people will keep their flock in their coop/run area to avoid predators. My personal opinion is that the benefits of free ranging outweigh the risk of injury or loss due to a predator. This call is different for everyone though due to their reasonings and set up. Either way, your coop and run should be a safe space, no matter how much time they spend in there.
Our Coop
Our coop is overbuilt. I'd be shocked if anything ever got in. I don't know how they would, unless one of the doors failed to close or lock. I'd recommend either building your own coop, or having someone build it for you. I wouldn't recommend the pre-built ones from TSC or Rural King. I don't think they are practical or 100% predator proof. Here's what we did to predator proof the coop (besides the structure itself):
- Cover the windows and ventilation openings with 1/4" hardware cloth.
- Put an extra lock on all openings (nesting boxes, doors), like a carabiner.
- Ensure your automatic door batteries are always updated and working.
Our Run
The run that we had up for the first 1.5 years of owning the girls, was not predator proof. It did keep out everything, but if anything was motivated enough, they could've gotten in. We threw it up the week that the chicks moved out to the coop. 0/10 do not recommend.
When we moved the coops in August, that's when we threw up a temporary run with chicken wire while we built the new run around that. Here's what were doing to ensure this one is efficient in protecting the flock:
- At least 1 foot of hardware cloth around the perimeter buried underneath hard packed dirt for now. Gravel or landscaping blocks will be added later.
- 1/4" hardware cloth. You'll often see 1/2" in stores, do yourself a favor and just order the 1/4" online- better safe than sorry.
- A slanted metal roof for multiple reasons: snow/rain fall off, hawk protection, dry conditions in the run to reduce mud and sickness.
- A lock on the door, with a carabiner.
Our girls will always free range when they can, but having these backups puts my mind at ease when they're in their own space.