Keeping woodland predators out of the chicken run??? Please advise

[KelsT]

I like in Kitsap County WA in the woods. I know we have fox, bobcat and coyotes... haven't seen any coons I think because of the coyotes. also have hawks and eagles. We also have bear but rarely see them and not sure there is much i could do for them anyways.

Then of course mice and rats more mice then rats (Only seen rats 1 time and we killed them). I do have shop cats but I don't let them outside due to the coyotes, lost too many to them.

I had planned on just using hardware cloth... then had someone suggest I use cattle panels (they are on sale for 20 bucks) this seems like overkill and then i still need something else that has smaller openings.

I have been looking online and I am confused. I swear I never would have imagined so many different approaches to coops and runs until I went to build one!

So I checked around and I could get welded wire as some suggest anywhere from 2"x4" opening down to 1"x1" openings.... or go with 1/2 inch hardware cloth (don't I need 1/4 inch for mice?) I also read the chickens will kill mice is this true? I did read that the 1/4 inch hardware cloth is much more brittle then 1/2 inch so doesnt break as easy...

So what do you use? has it been 100% effective?

Please help, I am lost with all the options and have no idea what will really keep the hens safe!

THANKS!!!!

 

[bluey]

Hardware cloth is great! Fasten it with screws and big fat broad washers in the corners for extra security! I've never had a hardware cloth breach.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

2 x 4 welded wire over the entire run, including the top. However, the very bottom 4 feet of the run is reinforced with 1/2 inch hardware cloth on top of the welded wire.

 

[123RedBeard]

Of course there is always the option of electric ... Even bears do like it on their nose!

 

[centrarchid]

2 x 4 welded wire with inner perimeter of hotwire about 4 inches away from welded wire. An outer perimeter of three strands of hotwire also. Seasonally when no free-ranging birds an intermediate perimeter of electrified poultry netting. Two dogs have total access and get after parties challenging perimeters with most encounters outside the outer perimeter.

 

[KelsT]

Hardware cloth is great! Fasten it with screws and big fat broad washers in the corners for extra security! I've never had a hardware cloth breach.

what size mesh do you use, and what predators do you have in your area?

 

[bluey]

1/4 inch. We have fox, raccoon and possum mainly.