Advice on chicken runs

[M Brennen]

A few years ago we lost most of our flock to something, possibly weasel or fisher. Our neighbor did too. This year I am attempting again. We have secured the coop itself so I think we are good with that. The problem is, I am not sure what is the best way to secure a run for them. What are some secure suggestions for a run? We are debating one of those electric fences?

 

[aart]

Depends on how secure you need it.
Mine is just 2x4 welded wire for roof, walls, and apron...but I'm home and within sight/hearing of run 95% of the daytime.
If you're gone all day you'd need more than that...adding 1/2" hardware cloth to sturdier mesh against both large and small predators.
Might find some ideas here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

 

[M Brennen]

Depends on how secure you need it.
Mine is just 2x4 welded wire for roof, walls, and apron...but I'm home and within sight/hearing of run 95% of the daytime.
If you're gone all day you'd need more than that...adding 1/2" hardware cloth to sturdier mesh against both large and small predators.
Might find some ideas here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

Thanks for the resource. These are some great ideas!

 

[Alaskan]

For weasels... you need the 1/2 large hardware cloth,and have it EVERYWHERE because those suckers can climb all over.

So, SOLID construction.

I think electric is great for other creatures, but for the weasels, they are just so small, and so good at getting around stuff, that perfect construction is the best choice.

 

[Doc7]

How big?

my run is 8x8+6x6 attached together. $400 of hardware cloth For 4 walls and roof. If your run is much bigger it’s big money to do it this way.

 

[M Brennen]

Depends on how secure you need it.
Mine is just 2x4 welded wire for roof, walls, and apron...but I'm home and within sight/hearing of run 95% of the daytime.
If you're gone all day you'd need more than that...adding 1/2" hardware cloth to sturdier mesh against both large and small predators.
Might find some ideas here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

How tall can I purchase 1/2 hardware cloth?

 

[aart]

How tall can I purchase 1/2 hardware cloth?

4' x 50' or 100' rolls is typical, might be able to find 6' somewhere.
Find/buy your mesh then plan your framing accordingly for ease of fastening with no seams taht aren't screwed down to something solid.

 

[M Brennen]

4' x 50' or 100' rolls is typical, might be able to find 6' somewhere.
Find/buy your mesh then plan your framing accordingly for ease of fastening with no seams taht aren't screwed down to something solid.

I was not able to find 1/2 in anything taller than 4’. I ordered two rolls of 100’ and put them together.