Another question

[srd5757]

Ok, so I'm now getting to adding a run to my purina coop. Here's the question. Is welded wire predator proof? the 2x4 stuff?
We are in a subdivision with a 6' cedar fence, so my girls free range during the day and I close the coop up at night. This would be mostly for when we are not home so that we don't have to have someone come lock up the coop each night, etc. I think it would also be nice to be able to close them in the run at night so they can get up as early as they want and then I could just come open the run to let them free range.
I know there is the potential 'reach thru" problem, but the chickens would always be in the coop at night so that shouldn't an issue right? Am I thinking of everything here???

 

[chfite]

So long as no predator comes around when they are in the run enclosed with the 2x4 fence wire... I use smaller mesh wire around the bottom 2 feet of the run on the inside of the 2x4 fence to prevent reaching through. The 2x4 mesh fence is apparently durable. It would keep out dogs, the most likely problem in a residential area.

At the risk of worrying overmuch, consider that a predator will produce a disaster in moments. Many who have lost chickens lament not having taken security of the run seriously.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[srd5757]

I was just trying to think what if any other predator I need to be concerned with. Like I mentioned they free range in the yard during the day so I'm not worried about dogs, we have a 6 foot cedar fence, so that keeps out most predators. So, mainly I would be protecting from racoons and possibly a skunk if it decided to get over the fence or dig under it... but they are both nocturnal so my thought was that the girls would already be in the coop so they wouldn't be in the run at all.
I'm trying to think it all thru before I do it... and I'm trying not to break the bank. Was initially going to use hardware cloth on the whole thing. But, geez the price difference it making me re-think.