Hardware cloth and chicken wire.

[Ditsydaisy]

Hi
In process of planning my new coop and run and I have purchased a foxhunter metal run that comes with rolls of chicken wire.
I live in the UK in Northern Scotland.
I had planned on just making a skirt that went down into the ground and up approx 12 in, as well as using the chicken wire to cover all 23ft of the run.
My chickens will be cooped in a predator proof coop each night so wonder if I need to use hardware cloth over all areas of the run or if what I had planned would be enough.
Where would be the most economical place to purchase hardware cloth in UK?
Thanks in advance.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Foxes and dogs are likely the biggest threat for you so your plan may be adequate.
Is the run covered? I'm thinking hawks and jumping foxes. You'd be surprised what they can do. Are there members of the weasel family around your area?

 

[Ditsydaisy]

Foxes and dogs are likely the biggest threat for you so your plan may be adequate.
Is the run covered? I'm thinking hawks and jumping foxes. You'd be surprised what they can do. Are there members of the weasel family around your area?

I know that's there's hawks, foxes, badgers, owls, and rats. Possibly weasels, stoats and mink.
The roof will be completely chicken wire covered and a section will also be tarped to provide a dry area.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I would spend the money and get 1/2" HC.
You'll regret it if you don't.

 

[Ditsydaisy]

I would spend the money and get 1/2" HC.
You'll regret it if you don't.

Ok thanks.

 

[aart]

I had planned on just making a skirt that went down into the ground and up approx 12 in, as well as using the chicken wire to cover all 23ft of the run.

12" up is not a great distance, could be chewed upon by a canine standing on hind legs. How far into the ground?
Might be better and easier to lay across top of ground, or buried a couple inches.
Here's some examples of anti-dig aprons.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

What are the dimensions and gauge of the mesh you are using?
Hardware cloth....1/2" x 1/2" x 19 gauge?
Chicken Wire.....1" from flat to flat x 23 gauge?

 

[Ditsydaisy]

12" up is not a great distance, could be chewed upon by a canine standing on hind legs. How far into the ground?
Might be better and easier to lay across top of ground, or buried a couple inches.
Here's some examples of anti-dig aprons.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

What are the dimensions and gauge of the mesh you are using?
Hardware cloth....1/2" x 1/2" x 19 gauge?
Chicken Wire.....1" from flat to flat x 23 gauge?

The chicken wire is Mesh size: 25mm x 25mm, 1.1mm thick wire;

I had planned on using 1/4in hardware cloth but people say use the 1/2in and i was planning on 6inchs down into ground and 12 inches skirt onto ground then another 12 -24 inches along bottom of run aswell as the chicken wire. But I want to do the best by my girls and make sure they will be as safe as possible when I get them.

I do have dogs of my own which won't be out at same times as chicken when they get chance to free range but I did wonder if their scent would put off any groubd predators.

I'd rather ask all the questions now and get everything ready for them before I buy any chickens.

 

[McChooky]

Ok thanks.

Amazon and Walmart is where many of us buy it here but in the UK I don't have a clue Sorry! I never have to worry about anything getting my chickens when they're locked up in the run.I have an apron made out of 1/2" hardware cloth on all openings of the coop and run both

 

[aart]

but people say use the 1/2in and i was planning on 6inchs down into ground and 12 inches skirt onto ground

I'd go 2" down and 15" out.
Fox can dig like mad.

 

[TeresaW]

When it comes to predator proofing, I'd say figure out what is needed and add more, then add more.