First time building a Coop and run - Thoughts?

[annie511]

OK I was wondering if it was too big of an opening. I did get 2 rolls of 4x100ft so doubling up is an option but I may look into different fencing. Hardware cloth is about 3 times the costs but it may be the best choice. The only other shelter will be in the coop or under the coop. 

Amazon has really good prices on hardware cloth. Much cheaper than local hardware stores

 

[rekles75]

Amazon has really good prices on hardware cloth. Much cheaper than local hardware stores

Thank you, thats exactly where I am looking right now. I was looking at 1/2 inch and 19 gauge is this good? Other options I see is 1/4" and 23 gauge.

 

[annie511]

Thank you, thats exactly where I am looking right now. I was looking at 1/2 inch and 19 gauge is this good? Other options I see is 1/4" and 23 gauge.

I bought the amagabeli 1/2 in 19 gauge. Works great and it's real sturdy

 

[ocap]

Don't forget to shop Amazon, the last wire I needed came from there at a reasonable price for the quality. it was galvanized after welding. I have purchased 12.5 gauge but won't again way to expensive, 14 gauge galvanized after weld is great if the size is 1"x2" or smaller. I have used 1 x 2 wire for 20 years and never lost a bird inside that run.

 

[DonnnyT]

Coming along great! Building the coop was half the fun for us!

 

[rekles75]

Don't forget to shop Amazon, the last wire I needed came from there at a reasonable price for the quality. it was galvanized after welding. I have purchased 12.5 gauge but won't again way to expensive, 14 gauge galvanized after weld is great if the size is 1"x2" or smaller. I have used 1 x 2 wire for 20 years and never lost a bird inside that run.

Yep, finding some good prices on Amazon but I am only seeing 19 or 23 ga hardware cloth. Is 19 ga not strong enough?

 

[annie511]

Yep, finding some good prices on Amazon but I am only seeing 19 or 23 ga hardware cloth. Is 19 ga not strong enough? 

19 is plenty strong enough. Don't use the 23 tho

 

[clrwtrcluckers]

I'm planning to convert this old shed to a coop, perhaps with a hardware cloth door for the front. Planning on reinforcing the walls with hardware cloth and putting it under the floor before I put a new one down. Any other suggestions? This will be my first project.

 

[annie511]

Do lots of research. We converted an old playhouse into a coop and it was very tedious making it secure and making sure the hens had everything they need. As a newbie in the chicken raising world I spent a lot of time on this site reading

 

[aart]

Quote: 19 ga is stronger than 23 ga.
Wire gauge goes.....bigger number = thinner wire.