how deep to bury the wire?

[blueberrychickens]

So we are in the coop design phase of new chicken ownership & I want to know what the general consensus is about how deep you should bury the wire that the run will be made out of? I think it should be about 1 foot down & then angled out to keep any critters out & chickens in. The DH thinks that we just have to peel back the sod & lay down the wire so its about 1 foot away from the edge. His reasoning is that if any critter wants in that it will dig close to the edge & when it hits the wire it will give up & go away. He is also leaning towards just using chicken wire & I want something more sturdy, like 2"x3" fencing. What are your thoughts????
Thanks, this forum has been a great help already & we don't even have the new kids yet!

 

[Kittymomma]

An apron has worked well for me, but I go about 18" out and hardware cloth will last longer and is sturdier then chicken wire.

 

[bigoakhunter]

I only bury my wire about 4 inches deep and run it 18 "out like Kittymomma said.
It seems to keep diggers out.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd go with your husband on the method and you on the wire. 18" minimum is much better than 12". The chicken wire is so light it will rust quickly, but more importantly, a raccoon, dog, fox, or coyote can rip right through it. It will not stop them. If you attach it firmly to the bottom of the run or coop, run it out horizontal for say 18", and bury it just under the sod, it works great. It is a lot easier than digging straight down too. I think having it horizontal stops the predators from digging under better than burying it straight down too.

I suggest something fairly substantial. I don't know the gauge of the 2"x3" welded wire you are talking about. What I use is 2"x4" welded wire, at least 17 gauge and preferably 14 gauge. It will last longer and stop the predators better than a lighter gauge.

Good luck!!!

 

[redstars]

I buried my fence about a foot deep and I also have wire around the edge about a foot out and two inches under the dirt.
It all depends on how easy the digging is. My digging was fairly easy.
I used wire from Lowe's and I also have some chain link.

 

[blueberrychickens]

Thanks for the info. We have lots of rocky/clay soil in our yard (massachusetts rock farmer!) so I guess we'll go w/ the peel back the sod method w/ the heavier wire.

 

[tuesdays chicks]

I have a portable run with a 6'' apron my chix are locked in the coop at night