Hello to All! Building our first ever chicken run, have questions regarding hardware cloth??

[slmello]

We are building a 12 x 9 ft chicken run, hen house will be inside, off the ground approx 1 ft. We are laying 1/4 in hardware cloth on the bottom, as well as digging and placing a 12inch hardware cloth "wall" around perimeter of run for added security. Just trying to be super cautious.
Big question...we had planned on using chicken wire up the sides of walls and adding old barnwood about 18 inches high around perimeter of entire run. Barnwood was just to look "cute" . Apologies to the hardcore chicken farmers!!! Should we switch to hardware cloth up all sides for safety or will the 18 inches of wood plus chicken wire be enough of a deterrent for coyotes, raccoons, etc?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[CedarAcres]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!

What I do is use hardwire cloth to secure the coop, so any windows or doors or openings will have hardwire cloth. For the run, I use chicken wire. Chicken wire isn't as strong as the hardwire cloth, so I like the extra security of the hardwire cloth directly on the coop. Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hardware cloth is the way to go but, I would run it more like 18" from ground, upwards - around run perimeter. keeps raccoons from snagging body parts thru wire and biting off whatever they can reach.

 

[slmello]

Thanks so much for the input. Hopefully, chicken run will be done soon and I will post a pix!

 

[Chickenlovin]

Welcome to BYC!!!! chicken wire and wood should be fine.That is all i use and none of the cats and opossums get in.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[slmello]

Thank you!!

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, slmello, and

! Great to have you in our flock! Yes, HW cloth is the stuff!! Good luck to you!