Do I need hardware cloth on TOP of run?

[BluebirdHomestead]

I’m working on predator-proofing my coop and run. Currently have added a hardware cloth apron (need to stake it down and cover it a bit still) and hardware cloth along the bottom half of the run. Just need to do the upper half and add trim overtop. Also planning on adding a clear tarp over the run for the winter and building a permanent roof situation this summer. Currently there is chicken wire over the run. I was just going to put the tarp over the chicken wire, but I’m wondering if I ought to do hardware cloth over the chicken wire and then the tarp. Thoughts? Is it necessary?

 

[50-45-1]

are the chickens Locked inside the coop at night?
if so it should be fine as is. but if the coop is open all night, a weasel could climb the outside fencing up to the chicken wire and squeeze in.
Or a raccoon could climb up the outside fencing to the chicken wire portion and rip a whole big enough to fit inside.
chicken wire is flimsy and many predators can bite or claw through it. it is only good for keeping chickens inside, not predators out.
your coop looks great so far! Good Job!

 

[Lizzy733]

Depends on the climbing predators in your area, I suppose. I only have hawks, stoats and rats to worry about here and do not wire mesh my run top. I do use cloth mesh to keep out small birds though - they can be a real nuisance and will find ways to get in if they can.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Agreed. With the tarp, the chicken wire should be adequate for daytime use. If you have your HW cloth right there and have some
momentum, you could go ahead and do the “roof.” Might be nice just to have it done.

Lookin’ good!

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

are the chickens Locked inside the coop at night?
if so it should be fine as is. but if the coop is open all night, a weasel could climb the outside fencing up to the chicken wire and squeeze in.
Or a raccoon could climb up the outside fencing to the chicken wire portion and rip a whole big enough to fit inside.
chicken wire is flimsy and many predators can bite or claw through it. it is only good for keeping chickens inside, not predators out.
your coop looks great so far! Good Job!

They’ll be locked up at night but weasels and raccoons scare me so I’ll probably just go ahead and do it to be safe. Thanks!

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Agreed. With the tarp, the chicken wire should be adequate for daytime use. If you have your HW cloth right there and have some
momentum, you could go ahead and do the “roof.” Might be nice just to have it done.

Lookin’ good!

Thanks! I definitely have momentum but I’ll need to buy another roll of hardware cloth but I think it’s worth it.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Depends on the climbing predators in your area, I suppose. I only have hawks, stoats and rats to worry about here and do not wire mesh my run top. I do use cloth mesh to keep out small birds though - they can be a real nuisance and will find ways to get in if they can.

Definitely hawks here. Racoons, weasels, foxes. Basically everything haha....yet my neighbor doesn’t even have their run covered and haven’t had a chicken eaten yet.

 

[Lizzy733]

Definitely hawks here. Racoons, weasels, foxes. Basically everything haha....yet my neighbor doesn’t even have their run covered and haven’t had a chicken eaten yet.

Peace of mind is priceless; if you can, just go for it!

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Definitely hawks here. Racoons, weasels, foxes. Basically everything haha....yet my neighbor doesn’t even have their run covered and haven’t had a chicken eaten yet.

Ours are outside free ranging all day, and no problems at night. Which is remarkable because at one time or another we have seen coyote, fox, hawks, and once a bear broke into the porch and dragged out a garbage can! The noise was deafening.

The coop is adjacent to the house, built on the edge of our deck. It’s temporary. But we think no wildlife bother them because it’s tucked right into the side of the house. Might be too close for comfort for the predators. I hope so!

I know I take a risk with the free ranging. But they absolutely love it, they stay near trees and bushes most of the time, and they are very alert. Once they heard another bird’s warning call from pretty far into the woods, and they all froze, then crept close alongside the house to their coop. Other times they stay near me. Usually the danger is a plane overhead or a truck going by, but their instincts are spot on.

 

[kerbotx]

Nice setup you have there! Predators will tear up chicken wire just trying to get to the chickens. My coop is secure, so I get by with my run being 2x4 welded wire, affixed with poultry staples.