chain link fencing adequate?

[biretta]

Hi, could you all share your opinions about the efficacy of chain link fencing in regards to deterring predators? I read that weasels can squeeze through 1" diameter poultry wire; the fencing of the dog run that I use as a chicken coop is at least 2.5." (Actually, I'm not sure if there are weasels in the Pacific Northwest, I should look into this.) But has anyone had bad predator-related experiences with chain link fencing and its inadequacy? I wonder too if possums could get through the large spacings. I am considering putting 1/2" mesh all around the base of the run. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[foxtrapper]

A weasel and mink will shoot right through it.

A fox, dog or coyote will leap right over it.

A raccoon or possum will climb right over it.

Every one of those predators crossed the fence in less time than it took you to read this.

 

[Chirpy]

I had a 100 lb. dog that thought it was great fun to make as many holes as she could in our chain link fence. She could rip it up in just a few minutes and get out! (And it was specifically a dog run made for dogs.)

 

[Wolfpacker]

I have mine in a chainlink dog kennel. But I have hardware cloth buried in the ground around the perimeter and I built a wooden frame with hardware cloth for the top.

Last year I used chicken wire for the top. Lost all my chickens to something that left two big piles of poop and a lone grey hair in the hole he made in the chicken wire to get in.

I also shut my hens in their house in the kennel at night.

 

[bobbieguyette]

Chain link dont work I have one big kennel i use for my silkies and I still have to lock the house up at night weasels coons skunks will get in coons favorite trick is to get there paws in wiggle there claws and get the chicken curious to check it out and then he has your chicken

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Quote:
That's how we lost a lot of our rabbits when I was a kid. the possums / coons would reach throught the chicken wire, grab them, and pull them through the wire.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I've also had predators tear up chainlink to get at the chickens.

 

[biretta]

Sounds like I better start closing them up in the coop at night. Are these predators a danger during the day?

 

[Southern28Chick]

Here's my chicken yard. It's 40'x50' chain link fencing 6' tall with 3' chicken wire along the base. I have gamebird netting on the top. I have had one predator and that was a black snake the slithered over the chicken wire and through the chain link fence. I have a house that my chickens get locked up tight into at night.

I don't think my chain link fence is less safe than other fencing that's out there. I live in the country and this surprises the crap out of me....my neighbor down the road has about 4 chickens in a small area with nothing between them and the rest of the world except some old rusty chicken wire. They don't even have any type of house at all. She has never lost one!!!!!

 

[biretta]

It might just be a matter of time for your neighbor's chickens? I don't think there are big snakes out here in WA unless I just haven't seen them yet but I think I should put the fine mesh up around the bottom and/or lock them in at night. I do also have the top covered with poultry netting. Guess I'll just have to get up early to let them out. They won't like it but it'll be for their own good I suppose.