How far up does the hardware cloth need to go?

[Chicken-poodle]

We're building our run now, and I have read about the importance of hardware cloth along the bottom of the run (as well as an apron). Where we live in suburban VA, we have foxes, raccoons, possums, and probably skunks. I bought a dog pen to put on top of our foundation- the holes are 1.75 x 3.75". Obviously, these will be covered along the bottom. Do I need to hardware cloth all the way to the top with these holes? Thank you.

 

[CurlyQuail]

Since you have foxes and raccoons I would recommend putting hardware cloth up the entire side and on the top. Both are excellent climbers and very determined

 

[Chicken-poodle]

Since you have foxes and raccoons I would recommend putting hardware cloth up the entire side and on the top. Both are excellent climbers and very determined

Thank you for this- Can I at least get a little larger of a mesh- like 1" x 1"?

 

[CurlyQuail]

Thank you for this- Can I at least get a little larger of a mesh- like 1" x 1"?

I wouldn’t use any larger than 1/2”

 

[rosemarythyme]

1/2" keeps raccoons from reaching in, and keeps rats and weasels out.

Whether or not you want to go a few feet up or completely cover it all, depends on your predator load, your tolerance for loss, how much you're around to monitor things, whether or not you're locking up the coop at night, etc.

 

[Chicken-poodle]

Since you have foxes and raccoons I would recommend putting hardware cloth up the entire side and on the top. Both are excellent climbers and very determined

But foxes and raccoons can't get through 1 x 1, so even if they climb, they couldn't get in with the looser mesh higher up, right?

 

[TooCheep]

As long as the raccoons can't reach any roosts or anywhere else the chickens are, then the 1" should be fine higher up.

 

[Ryguy3684]

Is the top covered on the run?

 

[Chicken-poodle]

Is the top covered on the run?

Yes, it will be covered with wire mesh, was hoping I could get away with 1x1"

 

[donddon]

Yes, it will be covered with wire mesh, was hoping I could get away with 1x1"

1x1 will not stop weasels, snakes, rats...