Fencing, what kind?

[David61]

do i need small mesh all over or just against the first few feet against the ground?

I'm slowly framing up my walk in and will need wire fencing soon. After reading a lot I'm still not sure what I'm going to use.
I like the 2"x4" welded wire 12.5 heavy gauge for better air flow in high wind and not matting with leaves like small mesh.
I had in mind to use 2"x4"all over and use chicken wire around the bottom to keep them from poking their head out. Until i read about keeping snakes, mice and rats out.
So...
2"x4"12.5 gauge with 1/4" 19 gauge hardware cloth Mesh along the bottom?

1/4" or 1/2" 19 gauge mesh around the whole thing?
I'll need about 60' to enclose the 10x6 walk in and 40' to make the 8x20 run.
A 100' role is the most economical buy in welded wire. ​

Will a few feet high of hardware cloth just along the bottom keep the rats and snakes out or will they just climb over.

 

[123RedBeard]

They can, and will climb!

If you don't want to enclose the whole thing, including the top with hardware cloth, and anti-dig apron too ... consider a row or two of electric fencing around the hardware cloth ... a climbing critter, then is forced to deal with the electric fence!

 

[aart]

2"x4"12.5 gauge with 1/4" 19 gauge hardware cloth Mesh along the bottom?

1/4" or 1/2" 19 gauge mesh around the whole thing?​

I think you may be off on your gauges, not that is really matters, but.....
Typically 2x4 welded wire fencing is 14ga.
1/2" HC is usually 19ga.
1/4" HC is usually 23ga.

My coop has 19ga 1/2" HC on every opening.
My run is 14ga 2x4" with an apron of same.
Has 19ga 1/2" HC around bottom 2' to keep chicks and deep litter contained.
BUT my run is not designed to be 100% predator proof, just against hawks, and I'm home most the day insight or hearing, so have seen canines(fox & coyote) bounce off run walls, but was there to keep them from taking any time to get in.

 

[David61]

They do make the 12.5ga. and it cost not much more if you go with 100ft + roll.
50ft 12.5ga. - $189
100ft 12.5ga - $149
100ft 14ga. - $117
100ft 1/2" 19ga -$142
50Ft 1/2" 19ga - $69
25ft 1/2" 19ga - $65
I need at lest 60' The wire wiil go to the tin roof of the walk in. I can find old shrimp nets to cover the run for hawks.
I like the heavy ga. 2"x4" because it doesn't bent as easy when i grab it or hit it with some thing. The 50 roll of 12.5ga. is more than the price of 100' roll. I guess i can list it on line and sell half the roll i will not use.