Double layer chicken wire?

[Ol Grey Mare]

Raccoons can, and will shred chicken wire. If you do use chicken wire, don't leave your birds in the run overnight. Be sure to lock them in a secure coop. Rats can also get through chicken wire and will eat young chickens if given the opportunity.

X 2 - as for the predators you have, you'd be amazed at the animals that live around you that you are entirely unaware of. Not seeing a species does not mean the species is not there.

 

[JanetS]

We use 1/2" hardware cloth because we have this:



And this:

 

[birds4kids]

Chicken wire is big enough holes for racoons to get their jaw into and chew the wire open.

 

[0die]

wow,,,I didn't think animals would normally have a "taste" for metal...unless they were trying to escape and thus in fight or flight mode...

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

wow,,,I didn't think animals would normally have a "taste" for metal...unless they were trying to escape and thus in fight or flight mode...

When that metal is between them and a tasty meal, there is plenty of motivation to tear through it with paws and teeth. Food is just as motivating as fear, even moreso.

 

[yellowchicks]

0 x 2 = 0

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Weasels are going to get into a run unless massive amounts of money are spent to 100% predator proof. That's what a coop is for, night time protection when things like weasels come out to play.

That said then there is only protection from stray dogs, fox, possum, skunk etc. which will dig under the run in day time. I use 2x4 welded wire. Comes in 14 gauge 4ft X 50ft rolls for $35 at Lowes or Home Depot. Animals can't chew through 14 gauge metal. My run is encircled bottom 4ft with that and then cut lengths in half to have a skirt laying on ground under and out from run walls. Dig proof made easy. The rest of my run is covered with plastic green garden fencing. Yup, cheep and really only stopping birds from getting out and hawks from flying in. Not to mention stray dogs from jumping over the 4ft of welded wire.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

We use 1/2" hardware cloth because we have this:

Nice looking bobcat.

I can't get size perspective but think it's a bobcat.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Weasels are going to get into a run unless massive amounts of money are spent to 100% predator proof. That's what a coop is for, night time protection when things like weasels come out to play.

That said then there is only protection from stray dogs, fox, possum, skunk etc. which will dig under the run in day time. I use 2x4 welded wire. Comes in 14 gauge 4ft X 50ft rolls for $35 at Lowes or Home Depot. My run is encircled bottom 4ft with that and then cut lengths in half to have a skirt laying on ground under and out from run walls. Dig proof made easy. The rest of my run is covered with plastic green garden fencing. Yup, cheep and really only stopping birds from getting out and hawks from flying in. Not to mention stray dogs from jumping over the 4ft of welded wire.

Quick question on the garden fencing - how well does it hold up over time? I am considering using it for my upcoming alteration project to my existing pasture fence - just need it to keep the chickens in, not anything else out for what I have in mind - and have already listed it over poultry netting for a bit of extra longevity and a *little* more quality on my options list. Would love to hear from you since you have used it.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I don't know the terminal longevity. I used it on a grow out pen 5 years ago and the plastic is not brittle or seem to be breaking down at all in the sun yet. So my guess is it lasts, excellent UV protection. Unlike the plastic water fountains and feeders that deteriorate in the sun in less than two years.

Quick question on the garden fencing - how well does it hold up over time? I am considering using it for my upcoming alteration project to my existing pasture fence - just need it to keep the chickens in, not anything else out for what I have in mind - and have already listed it over poultry netting for a bit of extra longevity and a *little* more quality on my options list. Would love to hear from you since you have used it.