Do i need to worry about foxes (or other digging baddies) in Bondi for my chicken coup design?

So were about to build a chicken coup and wondered if we need to dig down under the ground and run the chicken wire down below ground level. I think this is for foxes mainly as cats dont dig as far as i know. Anyone got any top tips or ideas for what minimum standards should be applied to a chicken coup around Bondi?

Asked by David Gravina

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5 answers

• Yes, although the fox attacks that I know of in the area were on relatively unsecure coups where they could get into without digging much.
  I would go down quite a bit, at least 15cm, more if you can be bothered, as foxes can dig really well. Alternatively you can put a base on the coup so it is enclosed on three sides. Or make sure they are locked up at night.

  Answered by Sam M Rating: 2

• I agree, surround the coop with wire on all sides. :-)

  Answered by Gregory Olsen Rating: 2

• In addition to fencing with wire all around your chicken coup consider roofing it over in wire mesh as well because foxes will climb over a 2m fence. Also dig the mesh down into the ground about 10-15 cms and then come out about 30cm. This will deter them from trying to dig under the fence. Sounds a lot of work but foxes will kill a lot of birds and only eat one and finding decapitated chickens in the morning is very distressing. Stressed chooks may stop laying so keep them happy by keeping them safe and secure.

  Answered by Bettina Digby

  

  
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  Rating: 2

• Thanks Sam that's really useful info. btw i did some .. ahem ... digging around found these cool resources:

  Waverley council has some rules around keeping chickens understandably : http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/building_and_development/health_and_environmental_regulations/housing_of_poultry>

  Costa knows how to do it of course:
  http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/costa/tab-listings/detail/i/0/article/6947/Chicken-Coop-Plans-and-Details

  Make a chicken tractor from pallets too:
  http://www.instructables.com/id/Turn-Old-Pallets-Into-A-Chicken-Tractor/
  

  Answered by David Gravina

  

  
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  Rating: 1

• YES! - Bondi Public School lost their chooks. There are foxes everywhere, and dogs are also an issue. http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/2010%20Library/2009%20PDF%20and%20Docs/4.Environment%20and%20Waste/4.7%20Wildlife/environment_and_waste_fox_proof_pens.pdf>

  Answered by Robbo Rating: 1

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