How to Predator-Proof a Chicken Coop and Run

The short version

Replace chicken wire with hardware cloth or welded wire where predators can reach.
Bury an apron, or lay one flat, so diggers hit wire.
Use locking, two-step latches on every door.
Cover the run against hawks and owls.
Close birds in at night, every night.

Wire: chicken wire is not protection

MassWildlife puts it simply: chicken wire is "designed to keep birds in, but won't always keep predators out." Colorado State Extension recommends 1-by-2-inch mesh or smaller welded wire instead of larger mesh, and Maryland Extension warns that raccoons reach through wire to grab birds. That is why many keepers use 1/2-inch hardware cloth on the lower walls of runs, on windows and on vents: it stops reaching paws as well as entry.

Fasten it with screws and fender washers, not just staples. Two options: Amagabeli 1/2-inch, 36 in x 100 ft, 19 gauge and black PVC-coated 1/2-inch, 36 in x 100 ft.

Stop diggers with an apron

Source	Bury depth	Or bend outward
Penn State Extension	at least 12 in	toe out about 6 in
University of Maryland Extension	at least 1 ft, then turn out	another 8–10 in
NC State Extension	at least 6 in	or bend out at least 12 in
Oregon State Extension	6 in to 1 ft	—

The easiest version for most backyards: lay a 12–24-inch strip of hardware cloth flat on the ground around the run, attached to the bottom of the wall, and cover it with soil or pavers. A digging animal hits wire and gives up.

Latches raccoons cannot open

Maryland Extension notes that raccoons can open simple latches. Replace hook-and-eye and simple slide bolts with two-step latches, or add a carabiner or padlock clip to every coop and run door, including nest box lids.

Protection from above

MassWildlife says overhead netting or welded wire "will reliably prevent attacks from above." Colorado State suggests game-bird netting over the run. A solid roof over part of the run also gives shade and keeps feed dry.

At night

Colorado State Extension: if you shut your chickens in the coop at night, owl attacks will not be an issue. An automatic coop door closes up at dusk even when you are away.

Predator-proofing checklist

Hardware cloth over every window, vent and gap larger than about an inch
Hardware cloth on the lower 2–3 ft of run walls
Buried or flat apron around the run
Two-step or clipped latches on all doors and lids
Covered run top
Coop closed every night
Feed stored in metal cans, spills cleaned up (food draws predators and rats)