dig-proof "skirt" material

[Tala]

When you're making a dig-under-prevention "skirt" -- like people make hardware cloth in a L shape at the base of the run

Is there any reason that *has* to be made of hardware cloth?? Regular fence, such as welded wire would prevent a raccoon from digging in, right? Who cares if his paws will reach through the holes so long as he can't squeeze his body through - me thinks.

Reason I ask is because hardware cloth is pricy and I would have to buy it new, while I already have a bunch of welded wire fence that I got on the cheap.

 

[Lollipop]

Use whatcha got. The reason hardware cloth is use is that it is also run up the side of the run a couple feet, for obvious reasons.......Pop

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I use 2 X 4 welded wire.

 

[Tala]

Thanks!

I figured it would work, but since I've never actually had a raccoon dig under I was afraid I might be missing something.

 

[patandchickens]

Yup, anything smaller than 4x4 (as long as it is heavy gauge and galvanized) is fine. Honestly I don't use hardwarecloth for run fencing either, mine is all either 1x1 heavy gauge mesh, or 2x4 or chainlink that has something finer run along the inside on the bottom 2-3'.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[hobbz]

i used 3' chainlink fence i has laying around

 

[PortageGirl]

Sounds like very good thinking Tala. I think a lot of us get sort of locked in on one idea, (hardware cloth in this case)...

 

[bigoakhunter]

i used 1x2 welded wire fence on run around bottom, out 18 inches. I also had a couple of old square grill grates and oven grates

 

[joebryant]

My run is all 1/2 hardware cloth. It goes down one foot below ground level. At ground level outside the run, I have 2x4 farm fencing going out three feet and covered with dirt.

 

[WitksChicks]

I have welded wire, down 18" and out 2'.