Chicken wire in or out??

[pumpmom]

I'm constructing welded wire cattle panels (the heavy duty type) covered with wire 1" poultry fencing to use for my chicken run. When I build the run, should I place the panels with the chicken wire to the inside or to the outside? My main predator is the raccoon. The chickens will be cooped at night.

Thanks

 

[MelissaTXRn]

I don't think it will matter either way, but raccoons are good at chewing and tearing chicken wire. May be better for the cattle panels to be on the outside.

 

[pumpmom]

Thanks, CrazyCrable. That makes good sense, so I think I'll put the chicken wire on the inside. Attaching that stuff is hard work - I'm really gonna cry if some coon rips it up!

 

[Hokum Coco]

Raccoons are very good at reaching in killing your chicken and tearing it apart piece by piece pulling it through the fencing and eating it without entering the run.

This is a team event they have perfected.

Oh!
We are the only ones that think raccoons are strictly nocturnal.

No one told the raccoons.

Do not ask how I know.

 

[centrarchid]

I like to have the poultry wire on outside to ease its replacement as needed. Also effort to keep birds roosting a good 18" or more from the edge of pen so raccoons cannot reach them. Other very effective methods can be used to enhance your ability control losses to raccoons.

 

[BrendaJ]

I also double/triple the chicken wire - really helps. Plus my dogs are great for keeping them on the run. They are crafty little creatures & live in family groups. Best of luck