Having lost one hen to a fox I wanted the security of hardware cloth when I built my run. Even paying $80. for shipping (I bought it online) it was still half the price I would have paid at the local stores. I like the piece of mind in knowing that they are safe...
One little last bit of advice...The ACQ treated lumber has a high level of copper and is corrosive to aluminum fasteners and metal nails and screws. You may want to either use stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized (must be a "G-185" designation) or just something that is marked "for use on ACQ...
Woburn here!.... I got my first 6 hens Jan 15th.... 3 Dominiques, Lakenvelder, Silkie and a Buff Orpington. The Orpington was just killed a week ago by a fox!!... I only had time to make a temporary run but still... I thought it was secure. I'm still not even sure how that fox managed to...
This is the coop my Dad and I built this fall. There wasn't enough time for a permanent run so I put up a temporary one (not in the photos.)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=77249-blaines-chicken-coop
The only problem with blocking the spammers is that I can't post my new coop in the contest. I tried about 3 weeks ago but it said new members could not upload pics or links... I tired again today but recieved the same message. I created my coop page using the upload tool.... Do I need to...
I was considering putting some kind of a light for warmth because of last nights and tonights below 0 temps but they seem to be doing just fine!... My hens came from a farm in N.H and I guess living in barn during the cold N.H weather made them hardy enough to withstand these temps.