Building new coop-need new fencing

[badbowtie]

I built a new coop/run today to house more chickens and we don't close the coop off at night from the run so I have to have animal proof fencing. On my old coop, I was using this fencing, but am going to sell that coop. http://www.doitbest.com/Utility+Fence-Do+it+Best-model-700668-doitbest-sku-700668.dib I am trying to find something cheaper to use this time since the run is bigger. I have been using this fencing for a year and have not had any problems, but need a cheaper way. If I use the 48" wide stuff they only sell it in 25' rolls and I need 30' so I would have to buy 2 rolls that is out of the question. I am not sure if I could use the 2x4 or I found 2x3 50' roll for 43.99. I just want to make sure a predator could not squeeze in there and go up in the coop and eat the chickens at night.

 

[badbowtie]

Well I also have found 1/2 x 1/2 hardware cloth can predators tear it or is this safe to use. http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...ed/4-x-25-hardware-cloth/p-1356875-c-5769.htm
I would have to still buy two rolls since 2 25' rolls is about 40.00 cheaper than one 50' roll.

 

[wilbilt]

I have used this 1/2" hardware cloth from wayfair.com. It shipped very quickly (fedex 3 days for $10)

http://www.wayfair.com/Mat-Mesh-Hardware-Cloth-308B-BFJ1001.html

 

[badbowtie]

Is the 1/2 harware cloth strong enough to keep predators out being I don't close the coop door at night.

 

[Glasshen]

The first post showed 16 gauge and the other two were 19 gauge. I think 16 is much sturdier than 19.

 

[wilbilt]

Everyone seems to agree that hardware cloth is a good choice. It is much stronger than poultry netting.

I don't have birds in my coop yet, so I can't speak from experience.

 

[badbowtie]

The first post was the stuff I am using right now which is 1/2x1 but I was looking to save some money but don't want to loose my chickens over it. The other link I posted is the 19 ga 1/2x1/2 hardware cloth. I just am not sure if a predator could rip up the 1/2 x 1/2 harware cloth.

 

[badbowtie]

Well if everything goes right someone says they are on there way and will be here in about 2 hours to pick up my old coop so I will have to take both of my chickens and block them off in my new coop. I will go get the fencing for the new run, I am just not sure if I should use 1/2 x1/2 hardware cloth or the the 1/2 x 1 welded wire to keep predators out being I don't close the coop off from the run at night.