Is a hardware cloth apron secure enough?

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GardenChickens

GardenChickens

In the Brooder
May 9, 2015
53
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Hey!
Just wondering whether doing a hardware apron around the chicken run is just as predator proof as sinking hardware cloth under the run because it seems a lot easier than digging a large hole. I am just a little worried that predators will start digging before the apron starts and get underneath it? Is that possible?I know a lot of people do and apron but i'm just a bit concerned...
Thanks!
 
I have used aprons for years, never dig down to bury anything, and I have never had a predator penetrate from digging when an apron was in place.
 
It’s possible for a predator to start digging before they get to the apron, with living animal anything is possible, but that’s not their instinct. Their instinct is to dig down at the barrier. Just bury the apron maybe two inches, removing the turf and putting it back takes care of that, and the fence is certainly the barrier they will see. It also keeps the wire away from lawn mowers and weed eaters. If you are really worried about it make it two feet wide instead of a normal recommendation of 18”.

It’s also possible for a predator to dig under a buried straight down section of fencing. It’s unlikely, depending in part how deep you bury it and if the ground has resettled after you buried it, but with living animals anything is possible.

I have used an apron for years and have full confidence in it. If you feel better burying it straight down, go for it. It’s up to you and what makes you feel comfortable. Both methods are very effective.
 
You'll like having the apron. Our ground was just too ridiculously hard and rocky to dig a trench so that's what we did. Our dog, Molly, decided she wanted to play with the chickens the first day they were out in their run. She ran the length of the fencing up and down and finally decided to just dig underneath. She broke a toenail and came away from her encounter with a bleeding foot. She was done. And from that day on, she blamed the chickens for her misfortune and left them totally alone, even when they were out free-ranging!
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