Chain-Link Fencing w/ slats.

[Manda0227]

I know I know, pictures are always helpful- but its nasty out right now, and I'm afraid to touch my fiance's camera on even the nicest days! So I found one on the internet for an example. Im converting an old dog kennel (15'X10') into my chicken run. It formerly kept in a 230lb Mastiff who loved to dig. A lot. He never got out. So I figure if I put wire along the bottom (an then put my ground cover over it, should be okay. Then I'll put chicken wire overhead, to prevent incoming that way. My question, sould I put wire OVER the chain link w/ slats? Or would that be unecessary overkill? We have hawks here, and a gazillion rabbits. The chain link part is about 6ft high, and the whole thing is slatted.. like this..

 

[teach1rusl]

I would think adding wire over the chainlink and slats would be overkill. Do keep an eye on the vinyl (if that's what they are) slats to insure they remain in good shape. Could you remove the slats on ONE side and add wire along the bottom 24 inches? You'll regret not being able to look in to see your chickens, because watching them is 75% of the fun and enjoyment

of owning chickens.

 

[Manda0227]

I didn't even think of that! I just assumed I'd go in and hang out with them in there, or let them out in the yard when Im around. Thats definitely something to think about. Thanks! I have all these plans in my head for making this coop, its fun, but very frustrating when you're not super handy!

 

[patandchickens]

Since the only purpose of wire on the lower part would be to prevent reach-through, and since your slats already do that quite well, I don't see any need to add wire. Except that I 100% agree with the previous poster that you should remove slats from the house side, so you can SEE yer chickens

, and thus may want to add some wire on the lower parts of *that* side.

Remember that chickenwire overhead will keep out hawks but not raccoons.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat