Just to clarify:
I was going on the premise the birds would be locked up in the coop at night and only access the run during daylight hours. Otherwise, yes line the chain link with hardware cloth!
David
I think putting hardware cloth over chain link is a waste of the use of the chain link. You could use the chain link for your run and just use the hardware cloth to make your coop secure at night.
David
Only way it will be secure is if you cover every opening with 1/2 inch hardware cloth and use screws and fender washers to secure it.
Cheap does not come out to equal secure!!
Hardware cloth is not cheap but will be worth it in the end.
David