How to attack hardware cloth to metal run?

[Sandbyter]

Hi,
I'm all new to chicken keeping and I am still working on securing my chicken run. It's a metal run with roof that is attached to the coop. I would like to make it totally predator proof.

My problem is that the ground is not level. For now I have leveled the run at the corners and in the center. I have a lot of wall stones left over from a previous project, so I used these and hope I will get away with having no cement footing. We live 30 miles north of New York City and we do get frost. Between the corners I just plan on filling in with more wall stones, but these won't support the run (I find it is a lot of work to get these all level and to the correct height, so I won't mind a small gap).

I would like to add a hardware cloth, 2' and 3' wide around the run. I plan on laying it flat on the ground. Later I will cover it with mulch and large rocks.

My question is: How do I secure it to the metal run? There is a bar at the bottom I could attach it to, but I'm not sure what material to use to accomplish that. Some sort of metal wire? Clips?

Appreciate your ideas!

 

[nchls school]

I use a lot of plastic CABLE TIES with the birds to attach hardware cloth, plastic garden screen, perches, etc. I am no longer able to wield a hammer and pound nails. The ties come in different lengths, widths, and colors. They're easy to use and do a great job.

 

[Sandbyter]

I use a lot of plastic CABLE TIES with the birds to attach hardware cloth, plastic garden screen, perches, etc. I am no longer able to wield a hammer and pound nails. The ties come in different lengths, widths, and colors. They're easy to use and do a great job.

Thanks, that's a good idea and I believe there are UV resistant ones also.

Just wonder if they will hold up to a fox or black bear attack?

I already caught 3 raccoons in my have-a-heart trap trying to catch a groundhog.

 

[drinkoj]

Asked the same question, here is the link to everyone's responses.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ain-link-fencing.1384629/page-2#post-22744070

 

[Sandbyter]

Thanks, and I see there is a tool for it as well! That should make it fairly easy!

Thanks!

 

[nchls school]

Thanks, that's a good idea and I believe there are UV resistant ones also.

Just wonder if they will hold up to a fox or black bear attack?

I already caught 3 raccoons in my have-a-heart trap trying to catch a groundhog.

They won't hold up to either one if they are determined to have chicken dinner. It would have to be one strong fence to hold up to a bear-good luck on that one.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Fox maybe. Bears will go through almost anything if they really want to. Electricity is really the only thing that will deter them.

 

[Sandbyter]

Oh, boy, I saw a black bear crossing the road only about 1.5 miles from our house. We do have a 6ft wooden fence going around the entire backyard - let's hope their hearing isn't as keen as a foxes. At least I haven't heard any foxes around here yet.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Oh, boy, I saw a black bear crossing the road only about 1.5 miles from our house. We do have a 6ft wooden fence going around the entire backyard - let's hope their hearing isn't as keen as a foxes. At least I haven't heard any foxes around here yet.

You know bears can climb. Just a thought.

 

[aart]

let's hope their hearing isn't as keen as a foxes.

Their noses are mighty keen....and they love chicken feed!