chicken run- will chicken wire work on top? bottom?

[4ee2buff]

Working on a run for my girls, I am curious if I could use chicken wire on top of run to save $ and also its easier to work with then hardware cloth.

Also if I line the bottom of the run with chicken wire will that keep predators away or do I still need to bury fencing to prevent them from digging under?

 

[elmo]

Chicken wire is no good at all against predators. It will keep chickens in, though.

You can use it on the top of your run if you plan on locking your chickens inside a secure coop at night without fail. The chicken wire will keep hawks out during the day, but not most critters that usually prowl at night, like raccoons.

I wouldn't bother putting it on the bottom of the run because it won't keep any digging critter out. Do you have to worry about dogs digging into your run in the daytime? If so, then you might consider adding a "apron" or "skirt" of stouter, welded wire laid flat on the ground around the perimeter of your pen, anchored with landscaping staples or something like that.

 

[joedie]

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