fencing materials for the chicken run

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telepiste

telepiste

In the Brooder
10 Years
Jun 18, 2009
25
0
32
Howdy, BYC folks,

Well, unfortunately a predator (of the visiting dog variety) informed us that we need stronger wire in the chicken run. I'm curious what you all recommend--we're using an A-frame design. Our options are to use 1/4" hardware cloth (seems week and brittle), "yard guard" welded wire fencing with 3" x 2" grid and poultry wire underneath, or a similar welded wire fencing with 1" x 2" grid, but perhaps without the poultry wire underneath.

I look forward to your experience and insight--thanks!
 
There's hardware cloth that is made of lower guage wire that is tougher, but given a choice, I'd use the welded wire that has a larger hole, then put hardware cloth along the base or anywhere a raccoon could possibly 'reach through' and grab chunks of your hens. (raccoons will do that and pull them close enough to tear them apart)

The trick is to fasten it properly to the supports. Raccoons can rip simple staple gun staples out. That's a problem, raccoons can pull, but dogs will push.

It's been said over and over here on BYC, The only thing chicken wire is good for is keeping chickens in, it won't keep predators out.
 
I went with the 1x2 welded wire fence. I used wood screws and washers to secure it...(lots of them!) I also think the 3x2 with chicken wire would work.
 
We covered the sides of the run with 12 gauge welded wire (NOT 14 gauge) and then covered that with 1/2" hardware. Over the top of the run we had birdnetting and then another stronger kind of netting. But a coon got into that, so now we have the 14 gauge welded wire on top too. (I think its the 2"x4" spaces).
Here's also a great thing: Take 2' wide 1/2" hardware cloth and lay it flat on the ground right outside your run fencing. Use landscape staples to keep it flat. The grass quickly grows through it and you can't even see it......but animals can't dig under your run.
 
I use 19 gauge 1/2" by 1/2" vinyl coated hardware cloth. I've used the 14 gauge 1" by 1/2" for a small project; that stuff is very hard to cut and the wire spacing not as secure (not to mention how much more expensive it is).
 
poultry wire will only keep poultry in. a coon will tear through the wire very easy. a few months back i had a coonzilla trying to tear out of a havaheart live trap. he almost got out. chicken wire wouldnt have slowed this coon down at all. poultry wire should be banned for not be safe for chicken protection.....
 
I used the 2x4 chicken wire...but little chicks can get out of that...so don't let them out until they're too fat to get through it. -what
 
I reccomend using the smallest hardware cloth, it's not very fun to deal with as it's sharp on the cut edges but you can use washers and screws to attach it to posts and it's predator free

41441_dscf5693.jpg
 
Cheryl I think you used 1/2" hardware cloth, which is what I used. They sell a 1/4" hardware cloth, but I think that's too small for a run. Its okay for things like gable vents, but its so small that they clog up easily with dust.
I love 1/2" stuff. I have it on my run and also over my coop windows.
I highly recommend wearing long sleeves and wearing safety glasses when working with it!
 

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