Chicken Run...What wire to use??

[Sandeeland]

Hello Everybody,

Wanted to say I really enjoy reading everyone's feed back on topics. I do have a question.

My husband and a friend are going to enclose the existing yard that we have around our coop but, they just want to use chicken wire, my concern is hawks (for the most part) since they will only be out during the day. The height will be 8 feet so plenty of head room to walk in. I just wonder will the chicken wire hold up to a determined hawk or should I go with something else?

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[JackE]

A chicken wire roof will stop hawks, as long as there aren't any gaps for the hawk to get through. You don't have any other predators around? Because there are more predators to worry about during the day, besides hawks. Stray dogs, foxes, I had a fox practically wipe me out, in a daytime attack.
Jack

 

[Keltara]

A hawk is not going to be able to get through chicken wire. The best option however would be hardware cloth because it is much stronger and will last many more years. It keeps chickens safe from bigger predators with it's strength, and smaller openings. You can get 1/4 inch hardware cloth. I wish my coop had hardware cloth. It comes at a hefty price compared to chicken wire though. But thus far, it was worked for me.

Kelly

✿​

Our Country Chronicles

✿​

​

 

[ryeguy]

I used "goat fence" for my run because hardware cloth is so expensive and I didn't trust the chicken wire to hold up to larger dogs that may find their way into my yard.

 

[hairlesshorse]

I used 2x4 welded wire fencing for mine. I figure if they cannot get through it on the bottom they will not be able to get through it on the top either as long as there are no gaps.

 

[Sandeeland]

Thanks everyone for the input!

I know I have more to worry about then just hawks. I don't know how chicken wire would do against a fox or other predator but I was hoping since I stay at home and the coop is close to the house I could prevent that. We just bought our property in Sept. of last year and the coop was already here so I am busy getting it ready for our chickens. I think the person who built the coop/
run did pretty good but I definitely want something enclosed for a little more peace of mind.