In the first three posts of How to Build a Chicken Coop, you were given some basic information on the ‘musts’ for building a chicken coop. This includes choosing the best type of coop for your preferences in the first place, choosing the correct materials that will enable you to keep costs down, and then how to build a chicken coop that will last for years to come.
All of these are vital so that you’re fully satisfied with the chicken house you build and don’t spend any more money than you absolutely have to.
Now it’s time to move on and take a look at what you must do in order to keep your chickens protected. Again this is a key element that must be taken care of if you want to keep your chickens for the long term because without protection, there is a very high chance that at some point, a predator is going to come around.
First you need to assess what potential predators you have in your area. This would include animals such as coyotes, foxes, larger dogs, or rodents that may try to dig underneath the fence and get into the coop.
If you have no idea what types of predators are present in your surrounding area, you may want to consult with your neighbours and check and see if they’ve ever encountered a predator. This will give you a more precise idea of exactly what you’re dealing with so you can take proper precautionary measures.
Location
It’s important that you also identify the best location to place your coop. As we’ve already discussed location is partially going to be determined by land forms already, but having the coop within a close distance (eye’s range is even better) will help you keep a closer eye on your chickens and ensure they are safe.
This is where having a mobile chicken coop comes in really handy since you can easily transport it to wherever you are going to be to really keep a watchful eye on them.
Type of Fence
It’s also vital that you factor in the type of fence that would be best to build with your chicken coop. Consider the type of predator you’re looking at and then research the different types of fences that are available to choose the best fit.
As mentioned above, if you’re going to encounter digging animals, it will be most important that you build the house low enough into the ground that it’s difficult for them to burrow underneath it.
If you are looking at the possibility of larger predatory animals, then you’re going to need a fence that’s incredibly sturdy in order to keep them out effectively. This is why having a good guide to follow will help – it’s vital that you pair your needs with the variety of fence. If you don’t, you may think you’re protecting your chickens, but you really haven’t done much but added a bit of decoration to your chicken coop.
So be sure you’re keeping fencing and protection in mind. You could build the most perfect chicken coop ever, but if another animal decides to venture in, that perfect chicken coop could be no more.
Look forward to learning more information about understanding exactly where to position your chicken coop in the next post as we continue How to Build a Chicken Coop.
Until next time, stay safe, work hard, and as always, thanks for stopping by MVB Crafts.
Regards,
P.S.
If you’ve been enjoying the How to Build a Chicken Coop series, click the link to get detailed information and plans for all types of chicken coops. If you click the link I’ll get a commission from the sale and you’ll get some great information. Thanks.
