Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by The Coop Score team
A genuinely predator-proof coop needs 1/2-inch or smaller hardware cloth (19-gauge or heavier) on every opening, a latch a raccoon can’t open, and a buried or apron skirt extending at least 12 inches outward to stop digging. The OverEZ, Chicken Coop Company, and Rita Marie’s Amish Coop all tie for the top Predator Resistance score in our lineup at 8/10.
| ℹ️ What “predator-proof” actually means Chicken wire stops nothing determined — raccoons reach through the gaps, and most predators can tear or bite through it. Hardware cloth (welded wire mesh, typically 1/2-inch openings) is the minimum standard. Add a secure latch (raccoons can operate simple hooks and slides) and a buried or apron skirt to stop digging predators like foxes and dogs. |
Top Picks for Predator Resistance
| Coop | Predator Score | Hardware Cloth | Latch Type | Buried Apron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OverEZ Chicken Coop | 8/10 | Full floor + walls, 1/2-in mesh | Predator-resistant slide | No |
| Chicken Coop Company | 8/10 | Full walls, 1/2-in mesh, 19-gauge | Double-locking | No |
| Rita Marie’s Amish Coop | 8/10 | Full walls, 1/2-in mesh | Predator-resistant slide | No |
| Large Chicken Coops | 7/10 | Walls only, 1/2-in mesh | Standard slide latch | No |
None of our current top picks include a buried apron out of the box — see our checklist below for adding one yourself.
OverEZ Chicken Coop
The OverEZ’s full hardware-cloth floor is a standout — it stops digging predators from tunneling up from underneath even without a buried apron, which most competitors skip entirely.
→ Read our full OverEZ Chicken Coop review
Chicken Coop Company (Amish-Built)
Uses 19-gauge hardware cloth throughout and a double-locking latch, the most raccoon-resistant closure in our lineup — though check current customer reviews for build-quality consistency between production batches.
→ Read our full Chicken Coop Company review
Rita Marie’s Amish Chicken Coop
Matches the top predator score with the added benefit of the best cold-climate performance in our lineup, making it a strong pick if you need both.
→ Read our full Rita Marie’s Amish Chicken Coop review
Large Chicken Coops (Brand)
A solid predator score at a lower price than the three coops above, though its latch is a standard slide design rather than a double-locking mechanism — fine for moderate predator pressure, less ideal for confirmed raccoon activity.
→ Read our full Large Chicken Coops review
Hardware Cloth Gauge Checklist
- Mesh size: 1/2 inch or smaller — 1-inch chicken wire lets raccoon paws through.
- Wire gauge: 19-gauge or heavier — thinner wire can be bent or chewed through over time.
- Coverage: every opening, including under-floor gaps, not just windows and the main door.
- Latch: a mechanism requiring two distinct motions (e.g., lift-and-slide, or a carabiner-style clip) — raccoons can operate single-motion hooks and simple slides.
- Apron: bury hardware cloth 6–12 inches deep, angled outward, or lay it flat on the ground extending 12+ inches from the coop’s perimeter.
For the full explanation of why mesh size and gauge matter, see Hardware Cloth vs Chicken Wire. Looking for an all-around pick instead? See Best Chicken Coops Overall.