- Jul 23, 2018
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I can't reply at length now, but what I believe you call hardware cloth ends at the ground.
A weasel, mink stoat, fox and jut about any other ground predator can dig under.
If I wanted to build a secure run I would dig a trench at least 6 inch deep around the outside of the vertical fence. Bend a piece of hardware cloth at 90 degrees, say one foot in each direction and lay it in the trench. Attach the vertical section to the existing fence and cover the section in the trench with earth.
With all those bits of wood etc you cant see any breaches in the fence so I would get rid of all of those. Best part of security is being able to see any holes or burrowing.
Usually a 19g 1/2 inch hardware cloth with a two foot apron secured to your coop/run base is recommended. Could also put on concrete. Others landscaped around with landscaping rock. Multiple avenues may be needed. Many recommend attaching predators lights to coop at each end facing out. Electric fencing is another option.