How to Install a Predator Apron Around a Chicken Coop

[@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.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

That's great, thanks for your comments.

[@goodwolf866]

Thanks for this comment. I liked the video but had the same question regarding whether I should use 1/2" hardware cloth (am definitely going to use that).

[@bettinahempel8904]

Would love to see a video of your "anti-rodent" extra skirt, please!

[@1VIPWRX]

@@bettinahempel8904 me to

[@cynthiadianecarey9902]

Thanks for your great idea for rodent-proofing! I've been having the same problem. Am I understanding you correctly? The end result is the 12" of dirt closest to the coop is covered with 2 layers of fencing, with 12" of 1/2" hardware cloth being beneath the 2"x3" fencing material, which extends out another foot past the hardware mesh, and is anchored down with the sod staples? Has this continued to keep out rodents and other critters? I hope I am understanding you correctly. Rodents have bitten the beaks off of 4 of my birds. Thank you for your time and your great idea!

[@ooohhitskaren63]

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.

[@TheNebulose]

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

[@andrewlloyd3127]

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

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

We are glad you find it helpful, that's why we do these videos.

[@larkatmic]

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

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you for your comments. We try to make things easier for chicken people.

[@celestemckenzie2727]

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.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Our coops are build to last a lifetime and designed to make it easier for people who keep chickens, plus keep their birds healthy. Our customers think it's worth the price. For prices and options visit or website. carolinacoops.com/shop/ Thanks for watching.

[@rd4469]

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.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for your comments.

[@nogoodnecktie12]

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

[@heathervice639]

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

[@tammiewagner6245]

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.

[@davidwilson7131]

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

[@coleporter2024]

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

[@mattpkp]

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

[@cynthialopez5734]

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

[@WebbedQuacking]

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

[@raycorneau3381]

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.

[@reneek8223]

Good question! I was wondering too🐤

[@RobCooper]

That's brilliant. Thanks. I'm learning so much from your channel

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thanks Rob! That's exactly why we keep making our videos, so people can learn from us! Thanks for watching.

[@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 👍

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you so much!

[@rachealsingell3857]

That’s beautiful grass!

[@ourdesertwonderland]

Thank you so much for this video, it is very well explained. Very helpful.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@dr.timothyr.morris5389]

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)?

[@jonathanbraswell767]

@@cbrr7615 Great info! Thanks

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

Great idea with the wire, will do this. Me; going through leftovers from other projects in the shed before buying anything, thinking "gheesh" it's just a chook shed. Paint will hide all the different offcuts. Built my Chook pen from the old dog kennel, two double bed frames and, an old window and stuff I dumpster dived from the local hardware shop. Pen cost $20 for bolts, $20 for four second hand posts and $7 bundle of second hand screws, nails and hinges. You wouldn't know it tho, looks like fort Knox. I can do chin ups on the door frame its so solid. If we have a disaster, we can at least live in the chook pen 😆 🤣

[@amazinggraceranch6793]

So do you think you could mow over that before the grass gets too high?

[@ccdogpark]

You did a great job with this video with 1 caveat .... It surprises me how many people take the time & energy to make and then upload videos without being adequately mic'd up. If you make any more youtube videos please jack up the volume !! Most of your video is extremely hard to hear on my old laptop and I suspect that has a very negative effect on the number of views and comments.I had to add them to a playlist to watch later by casting my laptop to my TV which has much better speakers. But it is much easier to watch KZbin videos on a computer WRZ Delaware County, Pennsylvania USA

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thanks for the comments. We are more mindful of the volume in the past 2 years. We also are shooting this videos on location, many times after a long day of coop installations, and while it would be great to have a mic and a designated camera person, we don't usually have that luxury. But we do try to show people what we are doing. Thanks again. (hope some of our latest videos are better for you. )

[@lightsgoblack]

Hey Bill, the audio sounds great to me. I think your aforementioned "old laptop" is more than likely the culprit. Perhaps headphones could help as well.

[@LadiesofPurposeTV]

Carolina Coops Videos I could hear you fine:) from my iPhone. Lol. Never use laptops unless I have to for work. So thankful for all your amazing tips!!!!!

[@brendacorrea113]

Colin Robinson lol same thought here!,

[@rinaflatau8900]

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

[@Heatrsin]

Is that 1/4 inch hardware cloth or 1/2 on the coop?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

We use 19 gauge black PVC coated ½" hardware cloth on our coops.

[@jonathanjones1949]

Should you do this to the inside of your run too ?

[@ashleybaker244]

How do you mow over the wire?

[@blondizsmilz]

We put the the hardware fence on the bottom of our coop & run when we built it. Helps keep animals that burrow out of our coop and run.

[@rd4469]

Hardware cloth is so expensive. Do you use a 19 gauge or something higher? I'm looking for inexpensive hardware fencing.

[@tinacarmichael5649]

Thank you so much for doing this video it was very helpful and much easier to instal than I thought!! 😊 Our family has decided to go with the American coop, but living in Florida where we get tons of rain would u suggest for us to upgrade to the Carolina coop roofing? You guys are awesome and I can't wait for more videos 😊

[@kategeary1623]

You make it look so easy!

[@gailmadsenclayton1769]

Will that big of squares keep rats, and mice out?

[@SK-nd7db]

Simply beautiful! How many acres do you own?

[@MrRbrgrn]

Would you weed wack the grass around it and after time it’d be ok with a lawnmower... your thoughts thanks

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

That would probably be fine.

[@MrRbrgrn]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos thanks for the quick response

[@dicktracy2049]

Thanks a million sir, and best of luck with your business.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Dick Tracy thank you!

[@karenbruce6749]

Can you mow over it once the grass grows up through it?

[@country7481]

Beautiful, what kind of wires do you use for inside/side of coop? Does it work to keep racoons out? Thanks

[@12thDecember]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@agentlx7536]

Will these be ok to just mow over when cutting the grass? I will soon be getting chickens and i want to Predator proof it but still be able to now the grass

[@sandrac7808]

this is my question as well.

[@jenbear8652]

I’ve seen someone say that, yes, you can mow over it and once grass grows through, you won’t even know it’s there

[@patriciamcdade5072]

fantastic video! would galvanized fencing vs the pvc coated version work as well? thanks!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Patricia McDade great question. The answer is yes however I feel that the PVC coated fencing would last longer.

[@camilleharris3457]

Great video. I have rats getting into my barn, could i use a smaller guage (1/4) opening and apply the same method of laying it around the building? All of the other videos they show trenching which i could eventually do but this method looks much easier. Thank you!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Rats are tough because as long as their head can squeeze through something, they can fit. The best thing to do about rats is to not give them any reason to want to be in your chicken coop. Don't throw in too many food scraps that the birds can't eat in a day. Try to find ways to keep their feed from spilling out as much as possible. You would need a very small opening to deter rats, half in hardware cloth could work. There are other things like aluminum sheet metal mesh that you can buy at hardware stores that have smaller openings that can last longer than your standard hardware cloth too. It doesn't matter if you bury it or do like we did in the video, rats can squeeze in tiny spaces. Good luck!

[@reneek8223]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos thanks!

[@eddiearthur3965]

Great idea for the predator barrier. I was wondering what type of chicken coop you used?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

This chicken coop is our most popular, the American Coop. You can find more info on this channel or by visiting our website. carolinacoops.com/shop/american-coop/

[@GhostOdyssey]

Great video! I was just wondering, since I cannot do this apron this way, like outward apron -- but could I do it inside the coop instead of outside.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Hi, we don't recommend doing it inside the coop because the chickens need to dig and will want to dig. If they hit the wire, it will can potentially harm their feet, and would prohibit their digging. we hope that helps.

[@melissajoseph777]

Do you put mesh on the floor of the coop as well or is the apron enough for digging predators?

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

Only around the perimeter. We do not line the floor of the coop as it will not allow the chickens to scratch at the ground without getting hung up and potentially injured. Thanks for watching!

[@phillyhome6731]

Just did mine today. Thank you!!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Awesome! It's such an easy way to keep out digging predators!

[@chutch651]

Looks good but what about weasels and rats? I can see that would stop most predators. Wouldn't Hardware cloth be more beneficial under the whole coop and expand about 2 feet beyond the base of the coop?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

We have used hardware cloth around the base if snakes are a problem. However, never use hardware cloth or any wire under the entire run of the coop because chickens need to dig and can injure themselves if there is wire in the run.

[@haze7eyes163]

Good information thank you

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

thank you.

[@CR10.07]

You guys are the best

[@ronancherani7225]

Great video

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

thank you.

[@ponyboykurtis4645]

how easy is this to put on a chicken tractor that gets moved once a week?

[@ScoobScrims]

PonyBoy Kurtis I was just trying to figure out if I could put a skirt on a tractor too.

[@eec.eventing5371]

They have a video (im not sure when it’s from) and it is a chicken tractor they made for someone with a special predator apron on it

[@TexasJimmy55]

Is there a difference between PVC coated vs Vinyl coated? I’m at Lowe’s and the Garden Fence 2inchx3inch 24 inch by 50 feet roll is all vinyl coated. Will that work?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Yes, that's exactly what we used, that fencing from Lowes!

[@shawnhall6066]

Nice job, amazing coop!

[@karl2051]

Great Video, Question though....wire is 2"X3" but what is the Width of the roll?? Thank you !

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

The fencing is two feet wide. Thanks for watching

[@delhatcher8347]

Can you eventually mow over the " Apron " ?

[@aislingfoley6569]

Great video, thanks! Ill be adding a predator apron like yours to my coop in ireland asap :-)

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@wildnationfilms9341]

Great video. Thanks for the tip. And beautiful coop.

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Thank you!

[@thebellanextdoor]

Best way to secure to chain link?

[@heathervice639]

The predators i'm mostly focused on in my area are raccoons, opossums, and the typical rats/mice.. (of course feral cats too, but's another story...) the apron I currently have for my coop/run is extended into the entire run, not as far in as it is on the outside though and then I covered the outside apron with large california rocks/gravel and the inside apron with crushed granite/soil, etc. Would you recommend this? I also used the 1/2 " hardware wire that is identical to the hardware wire that lines the walls of my run. I know that the 1/2" wire would not keeps rats/mice out, but unless i rebuild my entire coop/run which Im not wanting to do, I'm stuck with this wire for now. Would you recommend that i switch it to the wire you used in your video for my aproning? I need redo the apron anyways because I'm building an extension to the run and would love to hear feedback... thanks!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Popcorn Winky I would never recommend running screen of any kind inside the run. I would recommend using at least a 16 ga PVC coated fencing for your apron. The PVC allows it to last a very long time.

[@heathervice639]

thank you! Ok, I correct it when i build out my extension.

[@darrinbarnard6797]

Love your coops

[@alanhillier1033]

Great vid mate.Love your coop😀

[@hayleyjorstad9801]

Great video gonna try it

[@swissmaid]

Won't rats and mice still get through this wire?

[@nastasya8472]

I would love a coop like this

[@jeffreywollenzien7874]

When you do this, do you not need to have the chicken wire/hardware cloth burried down into the ground at the wood fence? This replaces that practice is that right?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Correct. There is no need to bury the wire fencing. This also makes it last longer. It will disappear under the grass but a predator won't be able to dig around the coop. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreywollenzien7874]

Carolina Coops Videos do you have predators like mink of Fischer’s in your area? Couldn’t they fit through those openings and dig a hole under the coop? I live in Ontario Canada so just want to be sure the ladies are safe :)

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

@@jeffreywollenzien7874 Fishers are becoming more common, we haven't heard of problems with them getting under the predator apron. However, if you know they are in your area, you will probably want to bury some wire with smaller openings, like metal mesh that is durable and strong to deter them.

[@lisagolish4163]

How do you have grass in your run? I’d love to see the inside of your coop. How you collect the eggs

[@SharonRepici]

they have nesting boxes like the one that is visible at the beginning of the video.

[@jeanettecook1088]

Couldn't a weasel easily get thru that size mesh? How about mice and rats too? What is your experience?

[@MomDukes]

Oh my Goodness… Thanks for this… What I was looking for!!!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanwillis265]

Great video. Thanks for the information

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

Thank you! and Thanks for watching!

[@jasrobsny]

which brands of stainless staples are reputable?

[@GraphicallySpeakingMimi]

Why isn’t it necessary to use hardware cloth for the apron instead of fencing?

[@sydrichardson5613]

Will predators try to dig under?

[@suzannehofer2541]

Thank you that was helpful!

[@cutie-44]

Thank you for sharing

[@mg5570]

This was so helpful! Thank you!!

[@psxcancer]

Good stuff

[@mr.robert2507]

Excellent. Thanks

[@jasonsteele9580]

Would this work in the south. We cut our grass pretty short. I guess my question is would it still disappear so you could mow over it?

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

If you lay it directly on the ground and maybe use sod stakes to hold it down instill vegetation starts to grow thru, you should have no issue mowing over top of it! We have many clients in the southern United States that use this method and we have yet to hear of any break ins! Thanks for watching and keep us posted!

[@hispanicuscorpus]

I have a different problem, no predators but Thief...any idea how to safeguard again those low life?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

padlocks. 😠

[@flowergrowersmith449]

Should the apron be pinned down on its outer edge?? Great video. Edit - yes!! Thanks

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

FlowerGrower Smith to answer your question should it be pinned down I would say no it doesn’t have to be however we pin it down simple so it does not act as a possible trip hazard while gravity starts to do its job making the predator apron disappear. Thanks for watching.

[@summerdevlin1762]

Good information. Thanks!

[@xokiki214]

I want to do this but my coop is a fenced dog kennel I converted into a coop. Any advice on how I would attach it to the bottom.. like how your did with the staples?? obviously staples wouldn't work unfortunately...

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

You could try hog rings maybe. or build a wooden frame around the base of the kennel with wood and fasten it on to the frame with staples! Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@amythompson2235]

Zip ties? That’s what I’m going to try to attach this apron to my dog kennel chicken run...

[@infiniteus3762]

Tie Wire. It comes in rolls usually wrapped in duct tape.

[@lewannaheard]

How do you recommend keeping rats out? I dont over feed, and have a metal can that I store feed in, any other options

[@tonyv.1058]

I know this is a late comment but try to clean the coop as much as you can and collect the eggs everyday it might look less attrative to rats if you do that.

[@gordonramseysballsack4365]

You could put hot wire wherever you think the rats are coming it at. Also make sure you have small chicken wire

[@Happyknitter2]

Will this prevent gophers from digging under too?

[@robertmillen2967]

Nice vid, I’m thinking of using this on a weathering yard for a bird of prey

[@behindthechairwithdarlened2104]

My coup sits up against a fence, what could I do in the back?

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

If you are worried about predators, I would. IF your coop is up against the fence, you can maybe fasten the apron on the other side of the fence to protect the coop! Hope this helps! Thank you for watching!

[@labradoreadore]

Thank you so much .... excellent idea and protection for my 3 girls 🐓🐓🐓🥚🥚🥚🍳

[@jasrobsny]

where can you get the pvc hardware cloth?

[@thecynic807]

Do you travel the country building coops. And if so can I get a job with you. I've got ten baby chicks right now I designed and built a hoop coop. I thought it would save me a lot of money to build with pvc. It didn't. Wish I'd have just built a coop and run. It's 10 x 5

[@carolinacoopsservice7306]

We go all over the country, into Canada and soon internationally installing our coops! Thanks for watching!

[@RedSiBaron]

Really great video! this totally gives me a solution for my 40'x40' forest run. running 4' weld wire fence around and I have enough extra to do this with. i'll probably cut it in half with 2' runout away from fence on the ground. If ya'll have any other tips I'd appreciate it!

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Sounds like you know what you're doing. We've had to do the same on the road when we could only get 4' welded wire fencing. 2 feet is all you need to keep out digging predators. Good luck.

[@donaldmassaro7276]

And that must've smarter to step on one of them sticking up you do an excellent job

[@allatgoddess8961]

Does this work? Don't foxes /coyotes claw the wire/ staples off?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

No, we have never than that happen. None of our customers have had a predator get in their coops.

[@Shamariah2011]

Please someone tell me the correct gauge and inch of hardware cloth for protecting chickens overnight from predators on the walls of a run. I am doing the make your own variety of coop so I need to know what to order that cannot have any fingers or hands through to pull sleeping chicks and eat them

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Rachel Kruse well when it comes to protecting chickens overnight on the walls of the run it’s not just about what gauge you use or size. One of the biggest mistakes I see DIYers do is not properly fasten whatever it is you are using for screen. So with that said here is what I recommend and some tips and food for thought. First a go to common size screen for chicken runs is 1/2” x 1/2” hardware cloth. But it doesn’t stop there. I also recommend using black PVC coated hardware cloth. One because it looks good and is see through but also the PVC coating helps prevent the wire core from rusting. Second thing is making sure you are using the right fasteners. A regular staple gun is not going to cut it. I recommend using a 18 gauge staple shot in pneumatically. You can always go with a large staple but another very important thing to consider is what kind of staple or nail are you using to attach the screen. Regular zinc nails and staples just won’t cut it because they will rust very quickly and become weak. Especially if you are going into pressure treated lumber. We use all stainless steel staples because they will outlast any other type of fastener in the market. I hope this helps and I tried to keep it short. Good luck and thank you for watching our video.

[@Shamariah2011]

Carolina Coops Videos thAt is super helpful . I have a converted dog run covered with 2 by 4 coated green wire fencing covered by 1/2 inch 16 gauge hardware cloth/wire....I use zip ties every 5 inches at every border and overlap any edges along with a foot and a half skirt. . The part I needed help with was raccoon finger proof sizing for the overlay panels of hardware cloth...then cover part with tarp.

[@tannerdude5345]

What about here in Florida we have so many different types of snakes we have

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Snakes can't get through the hardware cloth. As for the predator apron, snakes don't burrow, but instead follow burrows underground already made by chipmunks, etc. So in our experience, snakes haven't been a problem with our coops. Thanks for watching

[@mariekiraly100]

does this stop rats from digging, or just larger animals?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Just larger animals. Rats and mice can fit through very small spaces, believe it or not, even .5 inch hardware cloth. We have addressed this in other videos (check out the Orlando coop video) and found the best solution is to make so rats and mice don't want to be around your coop. So that involved food maintenance (never too much thrown in) and food storage. Plus not giving them a harbor or home to live. Thanks for your question.

[@mariekiraly100]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos thank you. Ugh. That's so discouraging - damn rats.

[@toddshort5997]

Should be hardware cloth please understand this......hardware cloth ware is all that should be used period with your chickens its more expensive but keeps all rodents out. Never use chicken wire or the wire he is using here....lots of rodents can fit easily in these wire....

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Hi Todd. Mice and rats can also fit through ½" hardware cloth. The key to keeping out rodents like that is not to give them a reason to come to your coop in the first place. Prevention is the key with those pests. This predator apron is made to keep out predators and when it's applied correctly it is extremely effective. Thanks for your comments.

[@TheDonnieballgame]

What size cloth/fence do you recommend for rats?

[@nobody8328]

1/2" (or smaller) hardwire cloth

[@DaBossk]

whats a good way to attach it if you dont have an air gun? pls respond

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

DaBossk with hot dipped galvanized fencing staples. Most hardware stores sell them. Will take longer but will definitely do the job of hammered in correctly. Thanks for watching.

[@DaBossk]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos ty just got 5 baby chicks today it's supposed to dip down to 31 degrees fatenheight tonight.... I'm kinda worried they're gonna freeze to death. They got plenty of pine chips 😬😬

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

DaBossk when you say “baby” how hold actually?

[@DaBossk]

@@CarolinaCoopsVideos shoot I dunno. Labeled chicks at my local tractor supply store 🤔

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

DaBossk well if they don’t have their adult feathers they will definitely need a heat source.

[@kellyjenny1000]

Does it keep out snakes and mice

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

It keeps out snakes, except baby snakes, which they chickens will eat. And mice can fit through .5" hardware cloth, so it's important not to give mice a reason to be in your coop.

[@Growmap]

Ok, but how do we know that a digging predator won't just start digging past the apron and dig all the way under into the coop?

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Animals that are trying to get into the coop dig at the perimeter, they don't think to back up 2 feet and then start digging. It's not part of an animal's instinct or nature to do that. Thanks for watching.