Hardware cloth height for coon protection

[Carpe DiHen]

We have fenced our run sides and top with 2 x 4 fencing. I want to add a skirt of hardware cloth. The hens will be locked up in a coon proff coop at night (hardware cloth on vents and window), but I am worried about early dust and day visits from the coons (rare, but heard of).

If I put a hardware cloth skirt ~8-10 inches on the ground and 1.5 feet up the side, will that protect the hens from being grabbed??

Is that the best height?

 

[xyresicchick]

i am pretty sure raccoons are very good at climbing....

 

[bakerjw]

I would think so. I am of the belief that most of the chicken grabbing is when a chicken is asleep near the fence. I am new at this too so don't put a lot of stock in my take on matters.

Do you have power nearby? Electric fence chargers and wire are inexpensive. Not that I take delight in seeing a coon get zapped or anything.

 

[Carpe DiHen]

Quote:
Yes, but if they climb they will be to high to grab thru the 2 x 4 wire? The whole run is fenced so I am just looking for the height of hardware skirt to prevent grabbing?

Don't have electricity near...

 

[xyresicchick]

ahh maybe then. that would probably work.

i am putting hardware cloth on my whole setup to keep wild birds out of my coop/run, as they can carry diseases and parasites (not to mention steal chicken feed!)

 

[Darwin]

Quote:
Yes, but if they climb they will be to high to grab thru the 2 x 4 wire? The whole run is fenced so I am just looking for the height of hardware skirt to prevent grabbing?

Don't have electricity near...

Twice the height of your chickens should work to keep the grabbing raccoons from reaching your chicks. I would suggest a solar electric fence charger you don't have electricity near by.