Cheapest fencing for a chicken tractor?

[redoak]

I'd like some input on the cheapest fencing/wire that I can enclose a chicken tractor with that is fairly predator proof. Hardware cloth can get expensive if you need alot of it. I was thinking like a 1 in x 2 in welded wire that would keep out daytime predators. Anyone use anything less expensive that is fairly predator proof? Thanks for any advice/input.

 

[riderbecky]

Well, there are couple of options that I can think of. Personally I'd do the hardware cloth so that I was sure nothings getting in including weasels and other smaller preds. However there is also the option of using chicken wire to keep the birds in and having a perimeter fence 1-2 feet from the chicken wire of electric netting which is fairly cheap and extremely effective.

I free range though so I shouldn't give advice as I don't even have a run...I have good dogs that provide my protection and my chooks get locked up tight at night.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I used 1 x 2inch welded wire on all my runs. I then put chicken wire on the inside so raccoons can't pull the chickens through. This has worked for me. The wire is also buried down 2 feet. We live adjacent to the wildlife management area and have had chickens for over 5 years without mishap. The chicken wire on the inside of the run also allows you to put very young birds in the run without the worry of them getting out.

 

[patandchickens]

You could price out using 2x4" welded wire mesh (a heavy gauge, not flimsy garden stuff) with 1/2" chickenwire (preferably really the 1/2" not 1", in this case, IMO) added inside along the bottom 3'. The 2x4" mesh could be used alone, no chickenwire, for a digproof apron. Won't keep weasels or rats out but then not much will.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat