DONT USE THIS FENCE!!! NEED TO READ!!!

[Schroeder]

I would think weasels could easily scale the fence to get to the wider spacing near the top. Ocassionally I will need to leave the pop door open over a weekend so I'm thinking I have no choice but 1/2 x 1/2 totally enclosing the run.

 

[patandchickens]

Yes, weasels can climb. But you know what, weasels are just VERY narrow and slithery. I doubt there are many weaselproof runs/coops out there. You can spend a buncha money putting 1/2" hardwarecloth over your entire run, including the top (and that IS a whole buncha money) and weasels quite likely can still get in elsewhere, you know?

Personally (and I think many, tho of course not absolutely all, other people feel this way too) there is a limit to how much I am willing to restrict the size of the run (thus the chickens' health and happiness) in an attempt to keep everything out always. Because believe me if I had to cover everything with hardwarecloth, they would only have a *small* run.

I would probably do it if I lived in an area with a known, major weasels-killing-chickens problem, though.


Pat, with one run and the tractor from 1x1 welded mesh, and the others are chainlink with 1/2" chickenwire along the lower couple feet.

 

[beak]

Quote:
Thanks for the info on quality difference. I've bought quite a few rolls over the years through Home Depot. I was always amazed at how easy the welds break. Then I bought a roll at the feed store and it seemed better. Is Home Depot owned by Wal-Mart?

 

[OrpingtonManor]

So sorry about your roo. This is a great reminder for me. I am working on this exact project today. I will fortify the bottom couple feet with hardware cloth. We have raccoons at dusk, and the chickens have developed the bad habit of staying outside as long as they can get away with it. So, hardware cloth it is.