In case you're not sure whether it's worth the trouble... I went to the coop this AM and found that something had persistently tried to dig in late last night or early this morning. Literally, a dig attempt every few inches around the perimeter of the run down to the skirting fence. Where the skirting fence ends at the corner of the brooding coop, there was a hole about 18" across and 6" deep. Nowhere to get in over there but that didn't stop the attempt.
Dig barrier tested and passed
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True. I had not considered snakes and rodents like mice and rats. Those could get through a 1" opening.
But.......most hardware cloth I've seen, while having 1/2" openings, is made from lighter stuff. Maybe 19 gauge wire. It is possible some diggers can rip through it, not to mention if the coating isn't good, it won't last as long on the ground as the heavier 14 gauge, which is generally strong enough to be considered "bars on the windows".
BTW, yet another option, and one I had considered, is 1/2" x 1" 14 gauge welded wire. It is what I use on my window openings. For the stuff I buy, the wire it is made from is as heavy as my 1" stuff. The cost for that, however goes up. Most don't realize it this way, but wire fencing is sold by the pound. 1" x 2" wire has double the material as 2" x 4", and 1/2" x 1" has double the material of 1" x 2"........so all things being equal, may cost double. Going to the lighter gauge stuff is one way the cost goes down, but then the trade off becomes the strength factor.
So be informed, pick your varmint / rodent and then pick your poison?
But.......most hardware cloth I've seen, while having 1/2" openings, is made from lighter stuff. Maybe 19 gauge wire. It is possible some diggers can rip through it, not to mention if the coating isn't good, it won't last as long on the ground as the heavier 14 gauge, which is generally strong enough to be considered "bars on the windows".
BTW, yet another option, and one I had considered, is 1/2" x 1" 14 gauge welded wire. It is what I use on my window openings. For the stuff I buy, the wire it is made from is as heavy as my 1" stuff. The cost for that, however goes up. Most don't realize it this way, but wire fencing is sold by the pound. 1" x 2" wire has double the material as 2" x 4", and 1/2" x 1" has double the material of 1" x 2"........so all things being equal, may cost double. Going to the lighter gauge stuff is one way the cost goes down, but then the trade off becomes the strength factor.
So be informed, pick your varmint / rodent and then pick your poison?
ChickenMammX4
Songster
Glad to hear your chickens are safe! That predator must have been persistent.
What kind of wire did you use? Glad to hear it worked!
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We had a roll of chain link left behind by the previous homeowners. I cut it in half lengthwise with mini bolt cutters (horribly tedious, BTW) so there's an 18" skirt of chain link. We dug down just enough to be able to cover it over and it's tied to the framing with wire.
Sweet!!
Man, I would love to see pics of that.
Man, I would love to see pics of that.
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Considering it was built 7 years ago, that might take some digging.
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- #9
Oh! Crap, I already smoothed it back and stomped it down.
The kids found footprints and they're BIG canine. I thought fox by the determination but now I'm on the lookout for starving abandoned dog.
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