Of course you have alternatives. You could do nothing and hope you don’t get a digging predator. A lot of people never have and never will. Some of us have had digging predators though. Can you guess how hard your heart starts beating when you see a possum in the coop when you are locking them up? Definitely an adrenaline rush. Or find a skunk walking around in the run after dark?
The bottom of your run can make a difference too. If it does not go all the way to the ground in spots raccoons, skunks, possums, and other critters can sometimes just squeeze through without digging at all. It’s surprising how small a crack they can get through. You are more at risk if the bottom of your run doesn’t go all the way to the ground.
A lot of us go with 1x2 welded wire instead of hardware cloth. Some small things can get through but 2x4 wire will stop anything substantial. It will also stop the chickens from digging under your fence when they are dustbathing.
Many people do not put aprons around their runs and never have a problem. Some people that don’t lose their flocks. It’s a personal decision. How important are your chickens to you and what is your risk tolerance? I can’t answer that for you. I also cannot tell you if you will ever lose a chicken or not whichever way you go. No one really can. But I have an apron now.
Good luck!
