6 Best Weather-Resistant Skirtings For Chickens That Keep Predators Out

You’ve built a solid coop with a secure door, but you come out one morning to find a tunnel dug right under the wall. Predators like foxes, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs are relentless diggers. A coop without proper skirting is an open invitation for a determined predator to get an easy meal.

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The Buried Apron Method for Ultimate Predator Proofing

Before you even choose a material, you need to understand the best installation method. The buried apron, or "L-footer," is the most effective way to stop digging predators. It’s a simple concept that works because animals instinctively dig at the base of a wall, not 12 inches away from it.

To create an apron, you attach your skirting material to the base of the coop, extending it down to the ground. Then, you bend it at a 90-degree angle to extend outwards, away from the coop, for at least 12 to 24 inches. This outward-facing flap can be buried a few inches under the soil or simply pinned down with rocks and landscape staples.

When a predator tries to dig at the coop’s edge, it hits this buried mesh barrier. Its natural instinct is to keep digging down, but the apron prevents it from getting under the wall. This simple geometric trick is more effective than burying a fence two feet deep and requires far less labor.

1/2-Inch Galvanized Hardware Cloth: The Gold Standard

When it comes to skirting, 1/2-inch galvanized hardware cloth is the undisputed champion for a reason. Its small mesh size is critical; anything larger, like standard chicken wire, won’t stop smaller predators like weasels, mink, or snakes. A raccoon can also tear through chicken wire with minimal effort, but they can’t get their paws through the 1/2-inch openings of hardware cloth.

The "galvanized" part is non-negotiable for any material touching the ground. Galvanization is a process that coats the steel wire in a layer of zinc, providing excellent protection against rust and corrosion. Untreated wire will rust through in a season or two, leaving your flock completely vulnerable. Hardware cloth is your best all-around defense against the widest range of threats.

While it’s more expensive than other fencing, its effectiveness makes it a worthwhile investment. It’s flexible enough to bend for a buried apron but rigid enough to hold its shape against pressure. For a secure coop, you use it on all openings, including windows and vents, and especially as the skirting.

Amagabeli Welded Wire Mesh for Sturdy Protection

If your primary concern is larger, stronger predators like coyotes, dogs, or determined raccoons, a heavier gauge welded wire mesh is a great step up. Unlike hardware cloth, which is woven, welded wire is welded at each intersection. This makes it significantly more rigid and resistant to being bent or torn.

Look for a mesh with a 1/2-inch by 1-inch opening and a thick gauge, like 14 or 16 gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire. This type of mesh provides an excellent balance of visibility and strength, and it’s perfect for creating a strong buried apron that won’t budge.

The main tradeoff here is against smaller predators. A 1-inch opening might be large enough for a very small weasel or snake to squeeze through. For this reason, many people use welded wire for the main skirting and then overlay a section of 1/2-inch hardware cloth near the base for comprehensive protection.

Tuftex Corrugated Metal Panels for Durability

Sometimes, you need a solid barrier that nothing can chew, claw, or pull apart. Corrugated metal panels are an excellent choice for coops in areas with high predator pressure. These panels are completely impenetrable to chewing and clawing, and when buried a few inches into the ground, they create a formidable barrier against diggers.

These panels are also incredibly weather-resistant, lasting for decades with virtually no maintenance. They won’t rust through like cheap wire, and they stand up to rain, snow, and sun without degrading. This makes them a "set it and forget it" solution for the base of your coop or run.

The biggest downside is the lack of ventilation and visibility. A solid metal skirt will block airflow at the ground level, which can be a problem in hot climates. You must ensure your coop has adequate ventilation higher up to compensate. It’s a tradeoff: you gain absolute security at the base in exchange for reduced airflow.

Veranda Heavy-Duty Vinyl Lattice for Ventilation

In hot, humid climates, airflow at the coop’s floor level is crucial for keeping your chickens healthy and preventing moisture buildup. Heavy-duty vinyl lattice offers a unique solution. The crisscross pattern allows for excellent cross-ventilation while still presenting a physical barrier.

It’s important to choose a high-quality, heavy-duty vinyl, not the flimsy decorative kind. When buried several inches and used to form an apron, it’s surprisingly effective against digging animals like foxes and skunks. The vinyl is rot-proof and won’t degrade from ground contact.

However, vinyl lattice is not chew-proof. A determined raccoon could potentially chew through it over time. This makes it a calculated risk. It’s a great option if your main threats are diggers and you prioritize ventilation, but if you have persistent, clever predators like raccoons, you may want to reinforce it with a layer of hardware cloth.

Gibraltar Galvanized Steel for Solid Security

For a sleek, modern look combined with fortress-like security, flat galvanized steel panels are hard to beat. Often sold as roofing flashing or utility panels, this material offers a completely solid barrier. Nothing is getting through it, period.

Like corrugated metal, galvanized steel is impervious to chewing, clawing, and digging. Burying the bottom edge 6 to 8 inches deep creates a wall that will stop even the most persistent diggers. It’s also extremely long-lasting and requires zero maintenance once installed.

The primary consideration is, again, ventilation. A solid steel skirt completely seals off the base of the coop. This can be an advantage in cold, windy climates, acting as a windbreak. But in the summer, it can trap heat and ammonia if the coop’s upper ventilation isn’t sufficient.

Trex Composite Decking: A Rot-Proof Solution

One of the biggest challenges with any skirting is rot from constant ground contact. Composite decking boards, like those made by Trex, offer an innovative and permanent solution. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, these boards are completely impervious to moisture, rot, and insects.

You can install the boards horizontally around the base of the coop, burying the bottom board a few inches into the ground. This creates a solid, heavy, and impenetrable wall that predators can’t chew through or dig under. It’s an incredibly durable and long-lasting option that also looks clean and professional.

The main drawbacks are cost and weight. Composite decking is more expensive than most other options and can be heavy to work with. However, if you are building a permanent, long-term coop and want a skirting solution you’ll never have to think about again, the investment can be well worth it.

Securing Skirting with Screws and Washers

Your choice of skirting material is only half the battle; how you attach it is just as important. Predators are experts at finding weak points, and they will pull, pry, and push at any loose edge. Using the right hardware is essential for creating a truly secure barrier.

Always use screws with washers, especially for mesh or hardware cloth. A screw head alone can pull through a wire mesh opening under pressure from a raccoon. A fender washer distributes the pressure over a wider area, making it nearly impossible for the mesh to be pulled off.

Use exterior-grade screws that won’t rust. Space them every 6 to 8 inches along the entire perimeter of the coop frame. Pay special attention to corners and seams where two pieces of skirting meet, as these are common points of failure. A secure attachment ensures your skirting remains a formidable defense, not just a suggestion.

Ultimately, the best skirting for your coop depends on a balance of factors: your local predator types, your climate, and your budget. Whether you choose the all-around protection of hardware cloth or the solid security of metal, the key is a thoughtful installation that includes a buried apron. A well-secured skirt is one of the most important investments you can make in the long-term safety of your flock.