Chicken wire

[IAMADOL]

Getting ready to build the coop and run. Question: If I used double layer of chicken wire, offset a tad, does that provide the same safety as hardware cloth?

 

[pingu1]

I have always used chicken wire and a fox hasn't got in a double layer should be really safe also try putting slabs around the edge of the run to stop foxes.

 

[IAMADOL]

My nemesis is Raccoons! We also have coyotes, but since I have two dogs they don't seem to be an issue as of yet. The Racoons however bit one of my dogs leading to a vet bill and a grumpy owner!

 

[Sonya9]

Getting ready to build the coop and run. Question: If I used double layer of chicken wire, offset a tad, does that provide the same safety as hardware cloth?

Depends on your set up and the predators in your area.

I have a run with 2 x 4" welded wire but use hardware cloth to secure the actual hen house. I am not worried about something reaching into the run during the day (it is a large run, the chickens are hardly ever near the fence line) but I do make sure they are safe at night in the hen house.

I would not use chicken wire to secure the hen house itself as animals could reach through at night when the birds are sleeping (they don't move at night).

 

[skylavaulter]

It will provide MORE security than one layer of chicken wire, but even two layers of chicken wire will not provide as MUCH security as one layer of hardwire cloth. Racoons can and will rip through chicken wire. It may take more time, but since they can bite and claw their way through the actual chicken wire material, they can and will take the time to bite and claw through two layers. I'd go with hardwire cloth and rest assured they're safe. I was able to find 200' of 36" wire on ebay for $236 with free shipping...best price I could find.

 

[IAMADOL]

Thank you so much for the info!

 

[rgunn1]

I debated the same thing myself. After buying two rolls of chicken wire and losing the receipt (so no returns) I still ended up going with a combination of welded wire and hardware cloth. Might as well bite the bullet and do it right the first time...

 

[sarahandjay]

If you are worried about raccoon I would be hesitant even with with it doubled up. I would be worried that a little bit of working over by a few raccoons would lead to a hole.Those little guys when given a new challenge will figure it out eventually. Just ask the trash can contraptions my parents neighbors have all tried to keep them out. lol

 

[luvmychixandducks]

Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens IN. Never will keep a dedicated motivated predator OUT even if doubled up.
I've seen dogs chew through chain link fence when properly motivated... ( ***** in heat ? ) Stick with the welded hardware cloth, smaller holes the better as coons will pull a chicken through the wire if they can get their paws in.
My hen run is a rehomed dog pen and the hole for the chicken door was provided by the former owners pit bull who chewed thru the chain link right where I needed the ramp for the chicken door to give the girls access.
When I told the dog owner the pen would be for chickens he almost cancelled the sale - as he hadn't thought of it as good for anything but dogs - and was considering getting chickens himself... his loss.

 

[IAMADOL]

Thank you everyone!