Help with Run Design Please

[Bowldy45]

I am getting ready to start builing a run for the coop. I need to predator proof it with the foxes, racoons, and skunks around. I will be digging a trench at the base, and using 1/4" hardware cloth on the bottom of this. My question is, how much hardware cloth do i need to bury as a general rule to make it safe enough that nothing can easily dig thru and get to the girls? I am laying brick in the trench, either 2 wide or 2 high, i haven't decided which will be best yet. Then will attach the cloth to boards before burying it.

Any ideas or suggestions would be of great help! Thank you!!

 

[chickens r life]

I dug this product 12 inches underneath the perimeter of the run and attached it to the fence of the run. Nothing has gotten in and nothing has gotten out.

 

[ashlieneevel]

I am getting ready to start builing a run for the coop. I need to predator proof it with the foxes, racoons, and skunks around. I will be digging a trench at the base, and using 1/4" hardware cloth on the bottom of this. My question is, how much hardware cloth do i need to bury as a general rule to make it safe enough that nothing can easily dig thru and get to the girls? I am laying brick in the trench, either 2 wide or 2 high, i haven't decided which will be best yet. Then will attach the cloth to boards before burying it.

Any ideas or suggestions would be of great help! Thank you!!

Is there a reason you are using 1/4" just for the bottom? 1/4" is great, albeit expensive, for keeping mice and snakes out but unless you use it on the whole thing I don't really see the point since mice can just climb to an area with a more hospitable opening to go through. That aside, I've heard people say they use only a foot's worth, while others use 2 foot. Some don't even bury it at all but instead lay it flat on the ground (still attached to the run though) and just tack it down to the ground to prevent burrowing. I'm all for 1/4" hardware cloth but i'd do the complete run in it not just the part you bury in the ground. If you're not going to do that you might as well save yourself money and use 1/2" because you're not keeping mice out by only using 1/4" in one place.

 

[Bowldy45]

Is there a reason you are using 1/4" just for the bottom? 1/4" is great, albeit expensive, for keeping mice and snakes out but unless you use it on the whole thing I don't really see the point since mice can just climb to an area with a more hospitable opening to go through. That aside, I've heard people say they use only a foot's worth, while others use 2 foot. Some don't even bury it at all but instead lay it flat on the ground (still attached to the run though) and just tack it down to the ground to prevent burrowing. I'm all for 1/4" hardware cloth but i'd do the complete run in it not just the part you bury in the ground. If you're not going to do that you might as well save yourself money and use 1/2" because you're not keeping mice out by only using 1/4" in one place.

The only reason to use 1/4" was to make it more difficult for the racoons or foxes. Is it not really necessary? I am all for using 1/2" if i can do that instead. I am not to concerned with mice as them little buggers will and do get into most everything !

 

[ashlieneevel]

The only reason to use 1/4" was to make it more difficult for the racoons or foxes. Is it not really necessary? I am all for using 1/2" if i can do that instead. I am not to concerned with mice as them little buggers will and do get into most everything !

If you aren't concerned about mice going in your coop then just use 1/2" hardware cloth and preferably in 16 gauge. I've found that in box stores the 1/2" hardware cloth is 19 gauge which is acceptable but 16 is stronger. For me personally i don't like the idea of finding a snake in my coop. A mouse eating food isn't thrilling either but I can accept that better than a snake so I would spend the extra money and use 1/4" on everything. Most people just use 1/2" though because the cost for 1/4" in an acceptable gauge is so expensive. I've found 1/4" in 16 gauge in 4ft wide x 100ft long rolls for 800 dollars a roll which is quite pricey for most people. At the same place however, I can get 1/2" in 16 gauge for like 260 a roll (same width and length). That is quite a big difference in price. That website is www.twpinc.com They actually manufacture the wire, as opposed to being a retailer like Home Depot. 1/2" is great for raccoon and possum prevention so if that is your only concern just go with that and save yourself some money.

 

[Bowldy45]

Thank you very much! I am stil new to having chickens, so any input is much appreciated.

 

[ashlieneevel]

Thank you very much! I am stil new to having chickens, so any input is much appreciated.

You're very welcome. We all have to help one another out.

 

[daxigait]

1/4 48" by 50' about 65 dollars on amazon right now

 

[SemperChicken]

Wow $800 for a roll of 100ft long hardware cloth? That doesn't even sound worth it... I can get 100ft of 48" tall quarter inch mesh at our local Agri Supply for about $100... Granted it's only 23 gauge...