Raising chickens in your backyard or on a small farm can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing you with fresh eggs and even meat if you so desire. However, one of the biggest challenges for chicken keepers is keeping their flock safe from predators such as raccoons, foxes, and birds of prey. One of the most effective methods to prevent these predators from infiltrating your chicken run is by installing a predator apron.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to installing a predator apron, which can drastically improve the security of your chicken run. We will cover everything from understanding predator behavior to selecting the right materials and tools, as well as the step-by-step process of digging and installing a predator apron.

Understanding Predator Behavior

Common Chicken Predators

Before you start digging your apron trench, it’s essential to understand the common predators that pose a threat to your chickens. While the specific predators will vary depending on your location, some common ones include:

1. Raccoons
2. Foxes
3. Coyotes
4. Skunks
5. Opossums
6. Weasels and minks
7. Birds of prey, such as hawks and owls
8. Domestic and feral cats
9. Snakes

How Predators Access the Chicken Run

Different predators have different strategies for accessing your chicken run. Some, like raccoons, are expert climbers and can easily scale fences. Others, like foxes and coyotes, are adept at digging under barriers. Birds of prey can swoop down from above, while snakes can slither through small gaps in fencing. Understanding these behaviors will help you design an effective apron trench to deter them.

Assessing Your Chicken Run

Location and Layout

The first step in creating a secure chicken run is assessing the current location and layout. Keep the following factors in mind:

1. Proximity to wooded areas, water sources, and other natural habitats for predators.
2. The size and shape of your chicken run, as well as the height of the fence.
3. The type of fencing currently in place (wire mesh, wood, etc.).

Existing Security Measures

Take note of any existing security measures you have in place, such as:

1. Electric fencing
2. Motion-activated lights
3. Predator deterrents (e.g., scent repellents, ultrasonic devices)
4. Locks on coop doors and windows

Materials and Tools Needed

Fencing Materials

To create an effective apron trench, you’ll need the following fencing materials:

1. Galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh: This material is essential for creating a durable and predator-resistant apron. Hardware cloth with 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch mesh is ideal, as it will prevent even small predators from squeezing through. Ensure that you have enough material to cover the entire perimeter of your chicken run, plus some extra for overlap.
2. Galvanized steel or aluminum landscape edging: This optional material can be used to reinforce the edge of the hardware cloth apron, providing additional protection against digging predators.
3. Galvanized fence staples, U-nails, or heavy-duty zip ties: These will be used to secure the hardware cloth to your existing fence.
4. Stakes or landscape pins: These will help anchor the apron to the ground and prevent it from lifting.

Digging Tools

You’ll need the following tools to dig your apron trench:

1. Shovel or spade: Choose a tool that’s comfortable for you to use and efficient for digging a shallow trench around the perimeter of your chicken run.
2. Garden rake: This will help to level the ground after digging the trench and backfilling it.
3. Measuring tape, string, and marking paint or stakes: These will be used to measure and mark the perimeter of your chicken run and the width of the apron trench.

Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear while working with hardware cloth and digging tools is essential to ensure your safety:

1. Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves will protect your hands from cuts and abrasions while working with hardware cloth.
2. Safety glasses: These will shield your eyes from dust and debris while digging the trench.
3. Sturdy footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots will protect your feet from injury.

Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measuring and Marking the Perimeter

1. Measure the entire perimeter of your chicken run using a measuring tape. Note down the measurements.
2. Determine the width of your apron trench. A width of 18-24 inches is generally recommended.
3. Use marking paint, stakes, or string to mark the perimeter of the apron trench, keeping the determined width consistent around the entire chicken run.

2. Digging the Trench

1. Use a shovel or spade to dig a shallow trench (about 2-3 inches deep) following the marked perimeter. The trench will help anchor the hardware cloth apron and make it more difficult for predators to dig under it.
2. Use a garden rake to level the bottom of the trench and remove any rocks or debris.

3. Installing a Predator Apron

1. Unroll the hardware cloth or welded wire mesh, and lay it flat along the trench, with one edge against the base of the chicken run fence. The apron should extend outward from the fence, covering the width of the trench.
2. If you’re using landscape edging, attach it to the outer edge of the hardware cloth with zip ties or fence staples. This will provide extra reinforcement against digging predators.
3. Anchor the hardware cloth to the ground using stakes or landscape pins at regular intervals (every 2-3 feet). Make sure the apron is taut and flush with the ground to prevent gaps that predators could exploit.

4. Securing the Apron to the Fence

1. Attach the hardware cloth to the existing fence using galvanized fence staples, U-nails, or heavy-duty zip ties. Make sure to secure it tightly, leaving no gaps or loose areas for predators to exploit.
2. Overlap sections of hardware cloth by at least 6 inches and secure them together with fence staples or zip ties.

5. Backfilling the Trench

1. Once the apron is securely in place, use a shovel or garden rake to backfill the trench with the soil you initially removed. Make sure to cover the entire hardware cloth apron and compact the soil to eliminate any gaps or air pockets.
2. If desired, cover the backfilled trench with grass seed, mulch, or gravel to help blend it into the surrounding landscape and discourage predators from digging.

Additional Security Measures

While the apron trench provides significant protection against digging predators, consider implementing these additional security measures for a comprehensive defense:

Overhead Protection

1. Install a protective net or wire mesh over the chicken run to deter birds of prey and climbing predators like raccoons. Make sure the netting is taut and well-secured to prevent sagging or collapse.
2. Plant tall, dense shrubs or trees around the chicken run to create a natural barrier and make it more difficult for birds of prey to access your flock.

Predator Deterrents

1. Install motion-activated lights around your chicken run to startle and discourage nocturnal predators.
2. Use predator scent repellents or ultrasonic devices to create an unwelcoming environment for potential predators.
3. Employ a livestock guardian dog, if feasible, to protect your flock from predators.

Regular Maintenance

1. Routinely inspect your chicken run fence, apron trench, and overhead protection for signs of damage or tampering.
2. Keep the area around the chicken run clean and free of debris to discourage rodents and other pests, which can attract predators.
3. Ensure that coop doors and windows are securely locked at night to prevent predators from gaining access to your chickens.

Conclusion

Installing a predator apron is an effective way to improve the security of your chicken run and protect your flock from digging predators. By understanding predator behavior, assessing your chicken run, and following this step-by-step guide, you can create a safe and secure environment for your chickens. Additionally, implementing further security measures like overhead protection and predator deterrents will provide comprehensive protection for your flock, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of raising chickens without the worry of predator attacks.