Attaching hardware cloth to chicken wired run

[Ccort]

How do I best do this? I have to be able to do it alone as well. Its not fitting snug at all so far...does it need to be?

 

[3KillerBs]

I had to do that last spring when I converted an old run I was given into an outdoor brooder.

Here's my article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/run-to-outdoor-brooder-conversion.76634/

And here's my build thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/run-to-outdoor-brooder-conversion-rush-job.1467377/

I did almost all of it myself, though wrapping the biggest piece of hardware cloth took some assistance from my then15yo, because it was just so unwieldy.

 

[Sally PB]

I did all the hardware cloth on my run by myself. Zip ties! They were my extra hands when it came to attaching.

Also, when I unrolled it, I did it curl down. I would put some pavers on the beginning edge to hold it, and walk on it as I unrolled it to what ever length I needed. Then I'd hold it down with more pavers while I cut it.

 

[Isadora]

Zip ties are your friend.

 

[neo71665]

I zip tie it when putting it up. You can use the zip ties to help stretch it a bit then go back and attach it. Over all I've gotten away from zip ties and like using bailing wire, hog rings, or j clips. They all last longer than plastic.

Oh and if you do use zip ties use the black ones. The white ones degrade faster outside in UV light. They cost about the same if any difference.

 

[aart]

How do I best do this? I have to be able to do it alone as well. Its not fitting snug at all so far...does it need to be?

What does the run framing look like?
Pics would help here.

 

[jreardon1918]

Nice fix. We too use zip ties for many things. And they do degrade. An occasional inspection is a good idea to keep them doing their job.

 

[Ccort]

For some reason it wouldn't let me post a reply until now. I think I need to switch to metal zip ties as I am struggling to pull it tight. I have a metal run with chicken wire on it which I am trying to cover with the hardware cloth. Also, I do not have room to have the apron go a full two feet out all the way. I have a couple of trees in the way. I assume I can just do the apron until the tree base and go around?

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a couple of trees in the way. I assume I can just do the apron until the tree base and go around?

Yep. Nothing will be digging through a tree trunk.

 

[Ccort]

I am thrilled. I found someone to help me! Finally!!!

Couple more questions.

There is about a 2 inch gap between the door and the next metal pool on each side. How do I predator proof that? Will upload a pic.

Also, my coop sits behind the run. I am thinking I need a predator proof tunnel to go from the door of the run to the run itself. Ideas on how to do this? The coop faces the SIDE of the run so either I need to cut a hole in the side of the run or somehow have the chickens enter through the human door of the run. I'm clueless on how to do this.