Run Top - safest?

[Kangasox]

We have a 10x10x6 high run for ducks. Getting ready to cover the top and wondering is 2"x4" wire fencing sufficient for predators at night, or so I need to use hardware cloth? Thanks!

 

[gillisjordan]

That should be fine over top, along the bottom is typically where they will try to dig under to get into the run, its not a bad idea to burry your fence into the ground a couple of feet to prevent fox and other critters from getting in

 

[Kangasox]

That should be fine over top, along the bottom is typically where they will try to dig under to get into the run, its not a bad idea to burry your fence into the ground a couple of feet to prevent fox and other critters from getting in

Ok, Thanks. We have the bottom 3 feet hardware clothed with an additional apron that spreads out, with 12" pavers on top. I just can't bear the thought of losing one because we screwed up.

 

[gillisjordan]

You should be fine, We put ours in the coop at night and close the door for added protection as well

 

[Motts]

Kangasox,

My chicken run has a room with corrugated metal on top. Helps to keep cool in the summer, stops it from getting to wet in the winter. I use deep litter method in my outdoor run.

Can you post a pic? I would love to see what the pavers around the coop look like.

Thanks,
Marci

 

[centrarchid]

The 2 x 4 wire can vary greatly with respect to strength. If the lighter material then I would not want a predator able to take is sweet time trying to get though it.

 

[aart]

I have 14 gauge 2x4 welded wire for run walls, roof, apron.

Great for hawks, my main concern....would seriously slow down most other day predators-and I'm home most the time, but wouldn't trust it for night protection.
Lock them in the coop, all openings hardware clothed with screws and washers, at night.

 

[Kangasox]

I think I will torture myself and do hw cloth after all. And tie in a galvanized panel for some shade and rain protection. We put them up at night in their coop, but want a small, protected run they can go in when we are away this summer. I will try to post a pic later today of the pavers @Motts. I think I saw a pic of someone on here that did it. And then people can chime in on what else I need to tweak for safety maybe. Thanks for opinions!

 

[centrarchid]

Hotwire the perimeter. Make certain the have elevated locations in the shade that are not roost. Look into providing dust bathing site that can be managed.