the fort knox coop

Living out here in Iowa, where I'd argue that the whisper of the wind often carries more stories than the bustling streets of any city, it doesn't take long to learn the subtleties of country living the hard way. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned through a tapestry of trial and error as a no-longer-naive chicken owner, it’s how crucial it is to protect your chickens from the diverse array of predators eyeing your feathered friends as their next meal.

Predator-proofing a chicken coop isn’t just about slapping on some chicken wire and calling it a day. It’s probably accurate to say it's something just shy of an art form, born from the understanding of both your chickens and the predators you aim to thwart. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few veteran insights that go beyond the conventional wisdom, secrets that have kept my chickens safe and my mornings filled with their clucking.

To start, the real game changer was when I realized that predators can come from all directions - above, below, and all sides. To combat this, burying your fences about a foot deep into the ground can discourage diggers like foxes and coyotes. A foot is deeper than you think. Equally, extending your fence a good foot outward at the base will create an additional barrier because these predators tend not to dig right next to a fence. They prefer some clear space to start their work.

Another less thought of strategy is the choice of wire. While chicken wire keeps chickens in, it doesn’t always keep predators out. Instead, hardware cloth is a sturdier option, with much smaller gaps. This prevents cunning little paws and snouts from reaching in. Make sure to secure the hardware cloth with screws and washers rather than staples, which can be easily pried away by stronger animals like raccoons.

And in certain areas, you can't forget about aerial threats. Hawks and owls can swoop down with little warning. A covered run is a lifesaver in such cases, though I wouldn't recommend it unless you need it, because many won't. I use a combination of solid roofing and hardware cloth for the areas where I want sunlight to come through. This dual approach not only keeps the predators out but also provides shelter from the harsh weather—another aspect of country living that demands respect and preparation.

Finally, my last nugget of wisdom: the placement of your coop can play a critical role in its defense. Keeping it close to your house or an area of frequent human activity can deter many predators. Predators are cautious creatures, and the smells and sounds of human activity are not what they’re looking for when they’re on the hunt. I've seen a lot of families put their coops far away from the house to avoid the noise and smell, but they often pay the price over time.

It's a game that changes depending on where you are, but if you start with good advice from your experienced locals, you stack the odds well into your favor.