2x4 mesh for top of run -keeps out raccoons?

[THINGUM]

Ty-wraps come in all sizes and strengths. U can overlap just one square and tywrap every few squares and be able to stretch your wire possibly to avoid buying more. Ty wraps also make a pretty good pair of temporary helping hands!!

 

[PapaChaz]

Quote:
those zip ties are handy for EVERYTHING! you are so right. i have found that after being exposed to the weather for a while, they become brittle though. I used the wire that was wrapped around the rolls of hardware cloth, cut off pieces 8 or 10 inches long, wrapped and wrapped and wrapped....and then twisted the ends together. hopefully this won't rust out on me any time soon, if it does, i'll get some of those aluminum fence ties....

 

[patandchickens]

PapaChaz, if you are doing the "DIY wire twist-tie" approach -- I do a LOT of this myself, for a variety of fencing applications -- it can be worth picking up a spool of steel electric-fence wire, like 17 gauge or so. Doesn't cost much, and will provide you with lengths of weatherproof strong and basically-indestructable twist-tie wire for probalby the rest of your life and then some

Pat

 

[Dobela]

I only see raccoons run in groups of 3 or more around here. When we lived in the city limits we had a faimly of 5 huge ones that would visit regularly.

Would possums get thru the 2x4 inch opening and eat our chickens? What other predators do we need to be worried about? I know we have large hawks and such which is why we want to cover the run.

We have already talked about good roof supports for the occassional ice storms we have here. I guess I also need to check Raccoon weight charts!

Would we need to double fence the entire 6 ft high? We did order the 6 ft tall welded wire fencing that is 14 gauge (or 12 gAUGE?) Our original plan was to just use the poultry fencing as an additional cover on the bottom 3 ft with another ft as an apron. Would this work?

Our next door neighbor has not had any problems with predators unless he free ranges. His run is made from a bunch of older chain length kennel pieces on top and sides with chicken wire along the bottom. He also does not close his coop at night. We can't afford the dog kennels, obviously. But if he has a lack of predators, will we be as lucky?


What else do I need to know that I am not remembering? Or don't know enough to ask?

 

[PapaChaz]

Quote:
great idea, thanks! we're actually going to be picking up some of this as we work on our new horse pasture over the next few months. son in law will never miss the 10 or 20 feet i'll cut off for my wire ties, LOL thanks PAT!