HEEEEEELLLLLPPPPPP!!!!!

[BigBlueHen53]

A level up is to use pvc coated chain linm fencing. It costs LOADS but is indestructable.

Still big enough for raccoons to reach through and also allow smaller predators to get through, like mink, weasels, rats, snakes. You'd still have to reinforce it with hardware cloth.

 

[Daniel Grey]

Still big enough for raccoons to reach through and also allow smaller predators to get through, like mink, weasels, rats, snakes. You'd still have to reinforce it with hardware cloth.

Oh yes good point. I'm used to foxes and badgers of the UK!!!

 

[Sc Owell Farm]

Welcome friend! You came to the right place for help and it sounds like you are doing a great job with what you have been given to work with.
Wishing you the best of luck!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC! Good luck with your chick.

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Congratulations on your new home and 'instant' flock. Lots of good ideas. Utilize those that seem sensible, and good luck.

 

[Ruler of the Roost]

It's not the size of the holes, chicken wire is weak. It ineffective against most predators. Coons, raptor, coyotes, dogs etc.

With the exception of very rare bald eagle sightings, raptors in this part of central fl are relatively small and still fairly uncommon. Water foul like egrets and cranes are far more common.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I gave advice but neglected the most important thing.

WELCOME! To the best chicken-keeping community on the planet!
Keep coming back, it gets better and better!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

B



Well, I only have one rooster left…

Oh. Can I see a picture of him?

 

[NatJ]

That’s what I did last night. One has been roost g on top of the roost instead of inside of it and has figured out where to go that I can’t get to her. The other one actually broke through the chicken wire in a spot where the seem is compromised…

I'm impressed with their creativity, but that certainly does make it hard to catch them again! I'm out of ideas at the moment, unless they are willing to come in for food when they get hungry enough. But if they scratch up enough things to eat while outside, that won't work either.

Ok. I know raccoons can get their hands on chicken wire. What else is chicken wire ineffective against? Eventually I was planning on another layer of chicken wire but indexed so that the holes of the original chicken wire would be cut in half. Does this idea not work?

Chicken wire will usually keep chickens in or out.
But it is weak enough that most predators can rip it apart, as well as some being able to reach through.

A raccoon is strong enough it has a choice: reach through the holes, or rip a big hole.

I agree with the other people that recommended hardware cloth (the kind with 1/2" holes.) If you secure it well enough, that will stop most predators. But you do have to secure it well. I've read of people using staple guns to secure hardware cloth to wood-- and then some animal rips it loose by pulling until the staples pop out.

Since you have the run with a metal frame, you could probably use wire to lace or sew the hardware cloth into place.