16 gage 1/2 " steel wire or chain link

[Blacksmith]

So grateful for this forum!
Wondering if 16 gage wire with grid size 1/2 " is as safe from coyotes as chain link fence with an added layer of plastic deer fencing or something else with small holes is better? The wire with shipping is very expensive. I haven't priced chain link yet.

 

[ValerieJ]

Are coyotes your only predator?

 

[Blacksmith]

Are coyotes your only predator?

Coyotes and raccoons

 

[ValerieJ]

Okay. Well you need the 1/2 hardware cloth for the raccoons and I can't see how a coyote would get through it. It's pretty sturdy. The potential weakness is where it is attached to the posts. You need to make sure that is secure.

A semi-secure idea is to have the chain link, but reinforce the bottom 3' with the hardware cloth. Around my large free range run, I have regular wire fencing with the hardware cloth around the bottom. At the top edge of the hardware cloth I have an electric wire. The top is just bird netting because it is also my orchard, so roof not possible. I haven't had any coyotes or raccoons breech it.

 

[imnukensc]

I'd go with 1/2 X 1 welded wire. Easier to work with than HWC, cheaper, and more durable. Most folks on here think 1/2 x 1/2 HWC is the holy grail. IMO, it ain't.

 

[aart]

Is this for a run?
Think about digging under walls too:
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @Blacksmith
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Folly's place]

We have 1/2" hardware cloth over every opening, and 2"x4" woven wire over the lower 4' of the hardware cloth on the 'run' section of our coop. All very well secured, so the rats and weasels can't get in, and big dogs also can't tear it up.
For bears, electric would need to be added!
Mary