Alternatives to hardware cloth for run

[WeatherfordFun]

So, I've read all the threads about chicken wire and know that the answer is "chicken wire will only keep chickens in and won't keep predators out." I believe my only predators to be neighborhood dogs, cats, the occasional skunk and perhaps a coyote. Ive seen a few local coops use just chicken wire with success. What alternatives to hardware cloth would you suggest for the run if I remain unwilling spend the money on cloth? Anyone willing to admit to succes with chicken wire? 2x3 cage wire? Something else? Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I use 2 x 4 inch welded wire for my fencing. However, they are closed up in the coop at night. I pay $100 for 100 feet of it and of course the fence posts are a huge cost too.

If you have them in a small area and they tend to congregate next to the fenceline, you can lose some from hawks, owls, and raccoons pulling them through the welded wire or chainlink if you use that. So you would need to line the fence with something like chicken wire (that is what I used in my dog kennel) to make the holes smaller basically. Of course raccoons can get through chicken wire as if it isn't there but that is what worked for me since the chainlink was the protection.

You need a top to the run if it is really small as the aerial predators will come and take them. I use shade cloth on my dog kennel and that keeps the hawks out. That is my growout pen. For my run (large pen) I use netting overhead (think snow load) in one section, and hawk shelters (pallets elevated on concrete blocks and other shelters) in the other section.

Coyotes will dig under, as will dogs. So if you want protection from that you have to bury fencing or apron it out. I don't mess with that but of course that is a risk. Cats will go after chicks...have to watch them. I have seen a cat go after a small hen as well.

I hope this helps!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Also, some people use dog kennel panels but be sure to line the bottom vertically with something so they don't get pulled through.

 

[seann]

Welcome to BYC.
I would still use hardware cloth if you want to value your investment (chickens).