Ground Cover Wire

[Rose66]

I know that chicken wire is not strong enough for the sides of the run but is it okay to use chicken wire on the ground around the run to keep predators from digging into the run or is it not strong enough to stop the digging predators such as dogs and coyotes? And how far out should the ground wire extend? Thanks!

 

[farmer_lew]

Just like for the coop, predators will be able to dig through the wire as well. Best to use hardware cloth. As far as how far out to go, I'd say 18" to 2 feet. I would bury it, as well. That way you don't trip over it.

JMHO

 

[Parrotchick]

I agree with the post above, that using hardware cloth is best. I used coated welded wire, with I think 2" x 4" spacing, buried just below the ground to about 18" out, stapled to the bottom horizontal beam of my pen. My yard is also fenced so I'm less worried about bigger predators like dogs or foxes. But I have rats, rats and more rats that have no problem digging under and through the spacing. If I had used hardware cloth the problem wouldn't be so bad, though I know that rats will tunnel in somewhere no matter what. I put 12" square cement pavers all along the edge of the front of the pen to make it look neater but now they're lumpy from where the rats dig and I even twisted my ankle today on one. Stupid rats!! Better than the other dangerous furries though!