A “dig skirt” in the context of poultry keeping, also known as a predator guard or anti-dig barrier, is a barrier made of metal, like hardware cloth or welded wire, that’s placed around the outside perimeter of a chicken coop or run, buried or secured to the ground, to prevent predators from digging under and accessing the chickens.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Purpose: Dig skirts are a crucial part of predator-proofing a chicken coop and run, protecting chickens from foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and other animals that might try to dig under the fence to get to the poultry.
- Materials: They’re typically made of heavy-duty, galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire mesh.
- Installation: Buried or Secured: The skirt is installed around the outside of the coop or run, either buried vertically in a trench, or secured to the ground with pegs or stakes.
- Depth: The skirt needs to be deep enough to deter determined diggers, typically 12 to 18 inches or more.
- Horizontal or Vertical: Some people prefer a horizontal skirt buried at the bottom edge of the fence or run, while others install the skirt in an upright position, extending up and over the ground.
Benefits:
- Prevents digging: Skirts effectively stop predators from digging under the fence.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your chickens are protected from predators can give you greater peace of mind.
- Can be inexpensive: Dig skirts can be a relatively inexpensive addition to a poultry pen, compared to other predator-proofing methods.
- Alternatives: While a dig skirt is a common and effective solution, other methods include burying wire mesh or fencing horizontally under the ground, or using concrete or pavers around the base of the pen