Hardware cloth on the ground: Why?

[Sue E.]

I'm getting ready to put up a coop for my two Rhode Island Reds. I saw a post where someone has hardware cloth on the ground. The photo looked like the cloth was around the outside of the coop but not actually on the ground inside the coop.

Would someone please explain why I would want to put hardware cloth on the ground, and where? Inside and out or only outside?

Thank you.

 

[Welshies]

Because predators like foxes and coyotes are numerous, even in large cities, you'll want to make what's called an apron. This is 8-18" of fencing (welded wire or hardware cloth) that is buried or on top of the ground (staked down) extending out from the perimeter of your outermost fence (and coop if it makes up part of the fenceline). It prevents digging predators from gaining access to your birds.

 

[Michael P]

It is to prevent predators from digging into the coop and run. You can accomplish the same thing by burying the mesh vertically, but laying it horizontally on the ground is much easier, and you can easily inspect it for gaps or breaks.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Dogs and rats are also diggers and are discouraged by the hardware cloth or welded wire apron.

 

[aart]

Yes, for an anti-digging predator barrier.
Not great to do under coop and/or run area IMO,
chickens can dig pretty deep and could damage their feet,
especially if mesh begins to degrade.

An 'apron' outside of coop and/or run is much safer and more efficient.
Good examples of installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[Sue E.]

Okay, well, I had no idea. Thank you all for the education.