Hardware cloth for floor of run

[pdomench]

Is it ok to attach hardware cloth the the bottom of the run so dog and whatever else can't dig under it and get to the chickens? Essentially they will be walking on it

 

[Newbie_Chicken_Lady]

I do not think that would be the most comfortable for the chickens. They will not be able to scratch. You should put a skirt around the coop so the dog can't dig under.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I wouldnt. Chickens scratch constantly at the ground. They can injure their feet that way. I have a skirt of hardware cloth going around my run.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I was planning on doing a similar thing, but with with a few inches of sand/mulch on top of it. Would that be ok, or should I just go with a skirt?

Go with the skirt. Chickens dig little holes to dust in. A few inches wont cut it

 

[Mamatomany123]

can't the dog just dig under the skirt?

I buried my skirt. Dogs aren't smart enough to move back and try to dig. Theyll try and dig closest to the run. And if they try and the end of the skirt then theyll have to dig completely under it in order to get in the run.

 

[Mamatomany123]

can't the dog just dig under the skirt?

Also, if your dog is THAT determined to get in then you either need to supervise when dog is outside or not get chickens. He'll find a way in eventually if hes that determined.

 

[aart]

Chickens dig little holes to dust in.

Little holes? Mine go like 8" down!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/excavation-by-birds-a-word-of-warning.1086535/

example 1 foot or more

At least a foot...18" would be better.

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[aart]

then added squares of sod I bought at Home Depot.

<cringes> I hope that sod isn't treated with 'lawn' chemicals(pesticides/fungicides, fertilizers, etc)

 

[LovieG]

<cringes> I hope that sod isn't treated with 'lawn' chemicals(pesticides/fungicides, fertilizers, etc)

It doesn’t - chickens are doing fine

 

[rosemarythyme]

Also, if your dog is THAT determined to get in then you either need to supervise when dog is outside or not get chickens. He'll find a way in eventually if hes that determined.

If a dog is that determined, it'll just go THROUGH the fence instead of trying to dig through/under the apron.