Hardware cloth question

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TracyLK

TracyLK

In the Brooder
8 Years
Apr 15, 2011
70
0
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We are building a run that is 24 by 8. Our chickens will go in the coop at night but will spend the day in the run. We live in an area with many predators and want to build a secure run. We are using hardware cloth (1/2 inch). Do we have to cover the whole run in this (6 feet high)? Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
It all depends on the level of security you want, but I think 2-3' around the bottom and another two feet laying on the ground as an "apron" or buried is a pretty standard answer. Of course, racoons and other predators may be able to climb on something and rip through the weaker part above. Some people use all hardware cloth. Some use chicken wire with 2" x 2" wire mesh over top. There are many approaches.

For more answers, I'd try posting in the "Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance" section.
 
What do you think about running an electric fence strand along the bottom of the fence to discourage the climbers? I ran welded wire along the bottom of the run (buried, like yours) and was going to follow up with another 2 feet of lighter wire for the top, but honestly don't think it's going to make any difference. If a coon is going to climb the first 5 feet, an extra 2 feet of wire isn't going to slow him down. The electric fence on the other hand...
somad.gif
(in the nicest possible way)
 
I would vote for "yes". I have a run, 8x40'. It is wrapped like a gift. Since predators can climb, and hawks can dive, I didn't want to take any chances. After a couple years, I ended up putting a corregated tin roof over the top to keep things dry in the winter and shady in the summer. See my BYC page for photos.
 
My run is going to have hardware cloth all around. I don't like in a high, wild predator area, however in our very small town "in town" location, we have a couple of neighborhood dogs who get loose sometimes...don't trust them! I have also read several places to be sure and attach the hardware cloth with screws and washers (fender washers are the ones that I found work best....thanks to a stranger in Lowes!!!) to attach the wire. Good luck!
 

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