Because we work odd hours, we want to be able to build the initial run secured from predators even after dark.
We were thinking of having the run door have strips of thick plastic or rubber that they can get in and out of at will (a wooden door would also be attached and be in the 'up' mode in the spring/summer/fall months).
We were going to use 1/2" hardware cloth for the perimeter AS WELL AS THE TOP. This way no predator can get in if I don't get home until 11 pm or midnight. In other words, I want this initial run to be as secure as the indoor chick house is.
So far does this sound feasible?
Ok, assuming it is, I have a few questions:
1. DH wants to burry the hardware cloth for the perimeter 12". Will this be deep enough?
2. After burying the hardware cloth, I understand we are to then bend it in an "L" shape with the hardware cloth facing outwards, to keep predators from digging their way in. Is this correct and if so is bending it out by 4" enough?
3. DH was thinking instead of bending the Hardware cloth out 4", we could instead just bury the hardware cloth straight down 12". Then surround the entire perimeter on the outside with 2" thick cement blocks that measure 8"x16", laying side by side. Would this work, instead of bending the hardware cloth out?
4. For the top, we are using hardware cloth. This may get expensive, so I am looking for any other alternatives. Normally, I know a run can be open at the top if they chickens are out only during the day (even then I know you take chances with Hawks)...but if I want my run secure on those nights that we dont' get home till very very late, won't I want to use Hardware cloth for the "roof" of the run? Other ideas?
Thank you,
Stormy
We were thinking of having the run door have strips of thick plastic or rubber that they can get in and out of at will (a wooden door would also be attached and be in the 'up' mode in the spring/summer/fall months).
We were going to use 1/2" hardware cloth for the perimeter AS WELL AS THE TOP. This way no predator can get in if I don't get home until 11 pm or midnight. In other words, I want this initial run to be as secure as the indoor chick house is.
So far does this sound feasible?
Ok, assuming it is, I have a few questions:
1. DH wants to burry the hardware cloth for the perimeter 12". Will this be deep enough?
2. After burying the hardware cloth, I understand we are to then bend it in an "L" shape with the hardware cloth facing outwards, to keep predators from digging their way in. Is this correct and if so is bending it out by 4" enough?
3. DH was thinking instead of bending the Hardware cloth out 4", we could instead just bury the hardware cloth straight down 12". Then surround the entire perimeter on the outside with 2" thick cement blocks that measure 8"x16", laying side by side. Would this work, instead of bending the hardware cloth out?
4. For the top, we are using hardware cloth. This may get expensive, so I am looking for any other alternatives. Normally, I know a run can be open at the top if they chickens are out only during the day (even then I know you take chances with Hawks)...but if I want my run secure on those nights that we dont' get home till very very late, won't I want to use Hardware cloth for the "roof" of the run? Other ideas?
Thank you,
Stormy
