How to Install a Predator Apron Around a Chicken Coop

How to install a predator apron around a chicken coop to keep animals from digging underneath into the chicken coop. In this video I explain how we install a fencing material around the bottom outside of a chicken coop to keep predators from digging underneath and getting in. We use a 2"x3" 16 gauge PVC coated fencing material and attach it using stainless steel staples that we pneumatically shoot into the bottom pressure treated boards. I also show how to wrap what we call fingers to join the corners of the fencing material.
919-794-3989

[TaintStevensAcoustic]

Thanks for the idea and saved a lot of hassle. Works well for the big critters, but I did have problems with rodents (probably) burrowing in underneath, so I added 12" of 1/2" hardware cloth under the apron. Just pulled the apron back up and then bent up about a 1.5" of cloth on the coop/run side and attached it to the base boards and put the old apron back down. No more rodent incursions since.

[ooohhitskaren]

I am going to use the 1/2 inch hardware cloth because of smaller critters like voles. Thank you for showing us how to install it.

[celestemckenzie]

I've done this around the perimeter of all my coops/runs-but I used chicken wire...same principle, and keeps diggers out. Looks like the fencing you used is a bit easier to handle than the chicken wire. What is really impressive though, is your coop. Pricey, I imagine.

[TheNebulose]

I was dreading digging in my predator proofing. I am going to try this.

[tammiewagner]

I don’t have a coop yet and have been researching. I was thinking I had to dig a trench and put down brick. This saves so much work and money if it works for my area.

[WebbedQuacking]

That homeowner goin get those "fingers" in his tractor tires. 🤣 🤣 4:01

[andrewlloyd]

I’ve been looking for exactly this tutorial for my chicken coop. Thank you for sharing.

[larkatmic]

Thank you. You just made my brain fog clear up about predator proofing my chicken hutch. 👍 way simpler than what I was considering.

[rd]

This is the best advice i've seen!!! Thank you.

[ChrisParrishOutdoors]

Really great Idea! Seems much simpler than some of the options I was mulling over.

[davidwilson]

Excellent video. thanks for good information. Clear, easy to follow and straight to the point.

[mattpkp]

Cant a weasel fit through a 2x3 hole?? Is this effective?

[heathervice]

that coop is gorgeous! thank you for this information, looks like I need to redo my apron.

[coleporter]

Thanks for your advice. I used your technique but pulled the wire up onto the fence and tied it to the fence.

[cynthialopez]

Thank you!
I was trying to figure out how to predator proof my future chicken coop. Thank you so much.😊

[CryptoLorenzo]

Excellent video and I love how the mesh is practically invisible, especially how well it camouflages with the grass.

Using this, in tandem with electric wiring if required and foxes will stand no chance in getting through the structure, which, I must say, is a great size and has a beautiful finish to it.

Well done mate 👍

[raycorneau]

Awesome video! Thanks for filming and posting. Loved the fact you even included the size of the staples. I was going to ask about that.

[nogoodnecktie]

I didn’t know you were so close. I live in Hamlin NY I learned so much from you all thanks for the videos

[rinaflatau]

Great. Our coop is 8 x 4 in the shade which means tree roots. We just can’t dig down 18”. We will do this and maybe cinder blocks. Thanks

[dr.timothyr.morris]

I have a rat infestation in my 4x10 coop in Seattle. I previously buried
12" square slate pieces vertically around the perimeter, and that
worked for years, but rats are now tunneling through. The walls were
chicken wire, and of course that will be changed out to 1/2" hardware
cloth and I will keep the food secure overnight. What is the best way to
secure the FLOOR (and underground perimeter) from further rat intrusion
without a ton of effort? Hardware cloth on the floor? Burying hardware
cloth vertically (and if so, how deep)?