chicken run

[chickie farm]

I am a newbie and we are getting ready to build the chicken run. Can I get some suggestions on how to best make my run safe for my chickens. I know we don't want chicken wire after reading the reviews on how easy it is for predators to get in etc. I am going to go with hardware cloth and was thinking of using 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch because I have heard weasels can get into a space that is any bigger then this. I know we have to dig the wire under ground to keep predators from digging under the fencing. Any suggestions on how tall we should make the fencing? We have many coyotes, raccoons, fox, hawks , and owls. We already have plans to cover it with fencing as well. I hope to let my chickens free range only when we are home due to the predators. I am so worried about keeping them safe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for the advice.

 

[Odelia]

My suggestion would be to consider making it tall enough for you to be able to go inside. You are the one who has to clean it and having to crawl around on the ground to clean out poo isn't much fun. Otherwise be mindful about how you position the doors to the run to facilitate easy cleanings.

 

[chickie farm]

Thank you for the information.