For the run... hardware cloth or chicken wire??

[Sassy_Silkies]

In the process of building a run to attach to the coop. I am almost out of hardware cloth so it got me thinking. I know hardware cloth is more durable against predators but if I plan on putting the chickens up in the coop at night could I get away with having chicken wire for the run. I live in the city so my main
predators would be raccoons skunks maybe garter snake? And hawks on occasion I obviously don’t want my chickens getting eaten so what do you guys use ?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hardware clothe all the way. Chicken wire will keep chickens in, but predators can easily bend it and even break it to get at your chickens.

 

[perchie.girl]

Something sturdier than chicken wire. I used welded wire and then plastic hardware cloth around the bottom so they couldnt stick thier heads out.

and some sort of overhead protection for flying predators....

 

[Birdinhand]

poultry netting should be renamed to "chicken buffet wire", it's worse than useless, it's misleading. I'd say hardware cloth all the way if at all possible, top, bottom and sides. if the run is really large, then maybe just focus on the roost area and use electric fencing and something appropriate for the run.

 

[Sassy_Silkies]

Thanks guys. I will be looking to get more hardware cloth hopefully I can find a good deal

 

[jthornton]

I used 1" x 2" welded wire for the run, much easier to work with than HC. Their night time sleeping quarters has 1/2" hardware cloth over any openings.

JT

 

[True Patriot]

The heavier wire in hardware cloth is more resistant to chewing and pulling. The only thing I can see for poultry net is as a cover over top for Hawks, etc. As suggested before, I would concentrate defense on roost area first, then expand from there. Tractor Supply usually has decent prices where I am.

 

[BY Bob]

I got mine at Tractor Supply as well. It's not cheap but they had the best price where I live.

 

[Howard E]

I used 1" x 2" welded wire for the run, much easier to work with than HC. Their night time sleeping quarters has 1/2" hardware cloth over any openings.

JT

X2......or maybe even X10. Good advice.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I used chicken wire and it's worked for years. I do have 2 feet of hardware cloth around the run bottom, so little hands can't reach through and strangle the chickens while they are near the side of the run. Works for me & my chicken friends.