A wiring wwyd

[jenn-]

I will be using 1/2" hardware cloth for the first 6 feet of this structure. I may have to buy more then the 50' I already purchased, and this will be a moot point. If I squeak the bottom out though, would using 2x4 welded wire in the triangular area that will be formed by the slanted roof be asking for trouble? Another option is to make a triangular piece of wood to go in there, but I have the wire and would have to buy the wood. Here's a visual of what I am asking about. The roof line isn't up yet so imagine the thick white line being wood.

 

[ChicKat]

I will be using 1/2" hardware cloth for the first 6 feet of this structure. I may have to buy more then the 50' I already purchased, and this will be a moot point. If I squeak the bottom out though, would using 2x4 welded wire in the triangular area that will be formed by the slanted roof be asking for trouble? Another option is to make a triangular piece of wood to go in there, but I have the wire and would have to buy the wood. Here's a visual of what I am asking about. The roof line isn't up yet so imagine the thick white line being wood.

IMO wire would be better than wood. As long as you have your triangle entirely securely attached .

Omlet uses welded wire -- it is about 1" X 3". Used for the entire run that is attached to the little coop of their design.

The other morning a raccoon was trying to reach through the wire and he was unable to harm my rooster that was on the other side. And when I came out the raccoon ran off. -- If there are no perches on the other side where a raccoon could reach - the advantages of wire would be more light, and more ventilation -- it would be cooler -- probably an advantage in your climate - like it would be in mine.

 

[jenn-]

Thank you for your reply. I really can't do the wire for the bottom part out of fear of my hyper active terrier playing chase the chicken.

 

[ChicKat]

Yes, I just put that there to show the size. If you have a terrier - you probably won't have to worry about predators digging in to the run of your chickens. I have super sandy soil - and it is a concern for me. That was just an example of wire. :O)

 

[jenn-]

I am definitely more afraid of my dog getting at them (granted she is only 10lbs, but don't tell her that) then overnight predators digging in. In retrospect, we live on top of red clay. Those would have to be some pretty determined little critters to dig from outside the 2.5' skirt down deep enough and through to the chickens.

 

[ChicKat]

This site has a promotion that teaches the dogs to accept the chickens...
http://canterlc.com/StopChickenKillerDogs/site/pages/home/

I really like the way that he handles the dog -- and it just makes tons of sense to me.

Yes, I doubt that predators would be able to dig through the clay.