Chicken tractor

[Lstumbo]

I am wanting to build a small tractor to let my girls out and about a little more. They would use it while I am home and during the day. They have a coop and run that is completely predator proof. My question is should I use chicken wireor the 2x4 welded wire? I really don't want to use hardware cloth because of the expense. I think hawks would be my main predator during that time. TIA

 

[Ridgerunner]

Both will give you some protection if attached properly though they will not stop a determined bear. Chicken wire can be torn by medium to big dogs, a raccoon, or a coyote. Larger animals. Chicken wire should stop hawks. The 2x4 welded wire should stop any of those bigger critters but snakes, some weasels, rats, and such can get through the openings. Hardware cloth can be torn by big dogs, a big boar raccoon, really big animals. With all of these the gauge of the metal is important, the thicker the wire the stronger it is. I'll mention again, how it is attached is important.

My personal preference between chicken wire and welded wire would be the welded wire. For me I've had more problems with dogs than anything else.

 

[Lstumbo]

Both will give you some protection if attached properly though they will not stop a determined bear. Chicken wire can be torn by medium to big dogs, a raccoon, or a coyote. Larger animals. Chicken wire should stop hawks. The 2x4 welded wire should stop any of those bigger critters but snakes, some weasels, rats, and such can get through the openings. Hardware cloth can be torn by big dogs, a big boar raccoon, really big animals. With all of these the gauge of the metal is important, the thicker the wire the stronger it is. I'll mention again, how it is attached is important.

My personal preference between chicken wire and welded wire would be the welded wire. For me I've had more problems with dogs than anything else.

Thank great insight.... I have hardware cloth from top to bottom on my run but that stuff is expensive!!

 

[Cargo]

I am wanting to build a small tractor to let my girls out and about a little more. They would use it while I am home and during the day. They have a coop and run that is completely predator proof. My question is should I use chicken wireor the 2x4 welded wire? I really don't want to use hardware cloth because of the expense. I think hawks would be my main predator during that time. TIA

Secret ninja tip. See if you can get a roll of 17 gauge Stucco Netting wire. It's like chicken wire on steroids.
If it's just daytime use, chicken wire will keep out hawks and most daytime predators. But, 2x4 wire will give you peace of mind and is a lot stiffer/more structual. So it really comes down to your area.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/K-Lath-...elf-Furring-Plain-Stucco-Mesh-62000/206926298

 

[paintedChix]

Secret ninja tip. See if you can get a roll of 17 gauge Stucco Netting wire. It's like chicken wire on steroids.
If it's just daytime use, chicken wire will keep out hawks and most daytime predators. But, 2x4 wire will give you peace of mind and is a lot stiffer/more structual. So it really comes down to your area.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/K-Lath-...elf-Furring-Plain-Stucco-Mesh-62000/206926298

This is the 2nd time I've seen this link. The Home Depot link states "not available - on line or in stores". So I started searching.

Lowe's doesn't seem to have it in anything more that 8' lengths- but I've often had issues w/ thier website & find it easier to go to the store to see if it's available. Haven't looked in Amazon yet, but other links were/are very educational.

Thank you.