Hi Folks,
Really sorry about the loss of your menagerie. It really stresses one's constitution when animals close to one are marauded, maimed and/or killed. And what I'm about to tell you then is one of those cases of closing the barn door after the horses have escaped. Having been a working zoologist (I'm retired and in my late seventies now.) I think I have found a relatively inexpensive material which makes a dandy enclosure material which to date I have have had no predatory critter breech. Been using it for more than 20 years in wild country. We humans are odd creatures in that we move into the wilderness and expect the carnivores to leave our domesticates alone. Ain't gonna happen. So what is this material that holds up against predation? It is called stucco wire. A 150' roll, at last purchase, cost about $80.00, plus tax. It is available at both Home Depot and Lowe's. The stuff looks for all the world like chicken wire, is about 37" wide and is as tough as nails. I'd say that it is twice as tough as chicken wire and maybe a bit more than that; and because of its toughness is a bit difficult to handle being resistant to being straightened from off the roll and it also resists bending. The mystery is why have the lions, bobcats and bears left it alone? I can't quite imagine them not overwhelming the stuff, but so far, so good. My area is rife with foxes and coyotes and they have failed to tear it nor do I think that even a skunk can have his way with it. Part of the trick in using this stuff is to fasten it at about 6 inch intervals with deep wire staples or better yet to hold it down with 3/8 inch long wood screws backed by washers to spread the hold down contact. Let the rest of us know your opinions on the matter especially if you have had any experience with it. I wish you well with this material.
Thank you very much,
Neal, the Zooman
