Hardware Cloth Size and Guage Choice Dilemma

[LadiesAndJane]

1/2 inch, 19 gauge is what I use. Aproned out about a foot all around the run and coop and fastened into the ground with 6 inch landscaping staples. Only thing that can get in my pens are cockroaches and the chickens love these, so no problem!

 

[GaDawgChic]

Since you have all been so helpful, why do some people attach the cloth on the inside of the run and some people attach it on the outside of the run? Which way would be the best way?

 

[Krugerrand]

SO many good points here! I'm just so afraid to do the apron and not have it go down into the ground right at the edge. That is probably me just being paranoid! A friend had a mink get into her coop granted it was just a lean-to-type coop and not off the ground as mine will be. That darn thing was going through mole tunnels and coming up in the middle of the coop! That is why I was like ok need to make sure to put it down on the floor of the run! She lives a lot closer to the water than I do so I don't really think I will have an issue with a mink.

Tunnels can present a problem, if you're prone to those. I'm not sure how deep mole tunnels go. I've read of rat tunnels causing problems, too. If anything is generating tunnels under the apron, it's important to get those closed off. The apron is deigned to stop the predators that is on the surface, sees the chickens and wants to get in after them. A common mistake of the apron is to cover some or all of it with things like pavers. If the predator then backs up, they're likely to back up before the pavers and start digging in the free and clear. A secured apron will allow grass to grow through it and the apron will get 'lost' on the ground.

 

[NatJ]

Since you have all been so helpful, why do some people attach the cloth on the inside of the run and some people attach it on the outside of the run? Which way would be the best way?

It is often determined by how the run is constructed, so one way is easier than the other.

I think the method of securing it would matter more than which side it is on. Screws with big washers, or sandwiched between two piece of wood, should be pretty secure from both sides.

 

[Lor]

Even if the gauge were the same, the 1/4" wouldn't really offer more protection and would just clog with dust/dander more easily. Just my 2 cents, you can mail me my change. lol

I agree! The 1/4" can become a pain as it clogs up so easily.

 

[McChooky]

Better a cockroach than me! When I slammed the insider door in my run closed it vibrated the wall and tripped the outside lock in the extension and locked me in.

 

[McChooky]

Build one like Fort Knox and pray you don't get locked in it. Fortunately I had a grounding rod in the run and used it to pry the door open . I straightened the bent latch with a hammer after I got out.

 

[SheaLoner]

I have had 1/2" slow a bear long enough that it decided the 3 bags of feed in the barrel were more worth their time. Very shocking I didnt loose a bird or the coop to that mama and cubs.

 

[aart]

Build one like Fort Knox and pray you don't get locked in it. Fortunately I had a grounding rod in the run and used it to pry the door open . I straightened the bent latch with a hammer after I got out.

Not sure how that latch could accidentally get banged into locking position.

 

[Sally PB]

I can't lock myself in. Or out. I suppose someone could come along and lock me in, but it isn't likely to happen.