Hi, from Lake Jackson, Texas ~ Question on Predator Proofing

[ChrisAndersonTX]

Hi, My name is Christina Anderson, I live on the Texas Gulf Coast, and I am new to raising backyard chickens.

My hubby and I spent all day attaching 1/2" hardware cloth to the bottom half of our "chicken run" (which is a 10' x 20', 7-foot tall, hurricane-fenced, dog run...being re-purposed for our girls.) We dug a trench around the run, and put the mesh as low as we could get it (trying to deter diggers, e.g., raccoons). We installed the hardware cloth all the way around, and it is about 3 feet high.

Tomorrow we will be be covering the top with more hardware cloth to keep hawks and owls out of the picture.

My question is this: Do we need to add a second layer of hardware cloth on the sides above the first layer? Is three feet of coverage from the ground enough? I have seen many coop designs on line, and have seen it both ways.

My hubby doesn't think it is necessary....our injured hands will never be the same (but he will do it if I insist...lol.)

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thank you, Christina

 

[drumstick diva]

The 3' high hardware cloth sounds fine. The purpose is mainly to keep out predators like raccoons who love to grab any chickens near the fence. They will grab any body part they can snag and try to pull the whole bird thru the fence. If unable to do so, they will just bite off whatever they can reach. They are horrible grief to have around. Also the cloth will keep young chicks from getting thru the fence.

Sounds like you have done an excellent job preparing -

 

[ChrisAndersonTX]

Thank you so much for your response. We still have a lot to do tomorrow, and should be letting them venture out into their new outside world on Sunday. They are right at 5 weeks old, and I can't wait to see how they react to leaving the hen house for the first time.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, ChrisAndersonTX, and

! Pleased you joined our flock! I agree with drumstick's advice - the 3' is more than sufficient. I'm not sure I would spend the money for a the top either - it doesn't take as much to deter hawks and owls. Good luck to you!!

 

[ChrisAndersonTX]

Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I just love this group!!! So much great information, and the people are awesome

. We will be installing the top part today, and adding some clean construction sand to the run....then the girls get to go outside for the first time!!!! YAY!!! Thank goodness the weather here in Texas is cool right now. This is a lot of work.

Thanks again for your help!!!!