Can I put hardware cloth on the chicken run floor to keep out predators?

[Kataloo]

I was told to bury my hardware cloth 18 inches deep to keep out the predators. That seems like a lot of work. I am wondering about putting hardware cloth or maybe doubled chicken wire on the ground and then top that off with sand. It seems to me like this would keep out the predators. Any drawbacks? Does an apron work as well as sinking the hardware cloth? Thanks.

 

[jetdog]

Yes the apron works well, personally I would use a 2x4 style of wire something strong and tough, just stake it down with some type of tent stake,the grass will grow up and you will never know it's there.

 

[aart]

Apron will work better than burying the wall.
Agrees 2x4 wire fencing would work well.
Don't forget to do the corners!
Mesh in corner is not to scale..(quick photoshop fudge)

 

[scrambled freud]

That's what we did. Expensive, and we expect to have to replace it every once in a while, also an expense. Also took a lot of effort and a few man hours. However, we have had zero loss to predators. I could not bear the idea of my chicken's heads being bitten off while at work. We finished off with a single strand of electric wire at the bottom and the top and, from the looks of the animal prints in the snow, it is sending predators running.

 

[Kataloo]

How far out should I come with the apron? 1 foot or more?

 

[aart]

12" to 24"

 

[Carpenter]

Apron will work better than burying the wall. Agrees 2x4 wire fencing would work well. Don't forget to do the corners! Mesh in corner is not to scale..(quick photoshop fudge)

That is solid advice! Nice pic too!