How to attack hardware cloth to metal run?

[MrsJones05]

This post has been most helpful. I had the same question after just receiving a 10' x 15' x 8' tall chain link run to use. I have another question though, are you covering the entire run with hardware cloth, or just the bottom? thanks

 

[rosemarythyme]

This post has been most helpful. I had the same question after just receiving a 10' x 15' x 8' tall chain link run to use. I have another question though, are you covering the entire run with hardware cloth, or just the bottom? thanks

Depends on how heavy/bad your predator load is, and if there's things you can do to mitigate risk in addition to the fencing. For example I only have HWC up the bottom few feet of my chain link, but I'm usually home and can hear any noise coming from the run from my computer, the kitchen, etc. So the fence rarely gets tested, I can chase off most prowling critters before they can try anything.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Today I plan on laying bluestone stepping stones onto the hardware cloth as well and hide the rest with mulch.

Though what would you do if a bear attacked during the day and you are at home? It would be dangerous to go outside. We are not allowed to shoot here.

If using stones on the apron to hide it, be careful you don't build out the edge too far - you're essentially shortening the coverage of the apron by adding an extra edge out from the edge of the run itself. Example: you have a 24" apron and add a 6" stone/brick around the outside of the run. The actual apron coverage is now 18" because you've moved the "edge" that a predator/pest would start trying to dig at by 6".

If a bear comes? Bye bye chickens. Not risking my life to go out to mess with a bear. At best, the only thing we'd be allowed to do is shoot at it with a paint gun, which is what fish & wildlife around here recommend if absolutely necessary.

 

[Folly's place]

It's that risk/ benefit/ cost comparison again; the more secure, the safer, but cost comes into play too.
For most of us, the worst risks are at night when the chickens are roosting and helpless. That's the first priority, having a very safe coop overnight. then raptor visits during the day, or snow, can keep the flock locked under a roof for two or three weeks at a time, so the coop, and their covered run, need to be large enough for that.
Then, daytime attacks from ground predators can be devastating, and free ranging is always a risk. Electric poultry netting or electric fencing are a big help here.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

In bear country, the only real protection for them is correctly set up electric fencing.
Mary

 

[CindyinSD]

In bear country, the only real protection for them is correctly set up electric fencing.
Mary

Yes. Exactly. I would use a very visible electric equine rope or tape and a high-quality energizer. I wouldn't use netting (though I do use it for temporary mobile poultry paddocks.) It never carries a huge spark even perfectly set up, and it's a trial to maintain in a permanent setting because of vegetation growing up. We don't have bear here, for which I am very grateful, but I'll bet you could get some good advice as to setting up a perimeter from the bear country bee keepers. YouTube will be your friend here...

 

[reddogmaster2]

Yes. Exactly. I would use a very visible electric equine rope or tape and a high-quality energizer. I wouldn't use netting (though I do use it for temporary mobile poultry paddocks.) It never carries a huge spark even perfectly set up, and it's a trial to maintain in a permanent setting because of vegetation growing up. We don't have bear here, for which I am very grateful, but I'll bet you could get some good advice as to setting up a perimeter from the bear country bee keepers. YouTube will be your friend here...

@CindyinSD
Excellent advice!
Question for you...my wife and I have been looking at land in the Black Hills for a summer/fall retirement home (we LOVE the Black Hills and have vacationed there many times).
We are looking in a wide area between Spearfish to the south to Hot Springs with the Lead area having some attractive properties.

Any suggestions? Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish, Hot Springs? Or are we missing some really good areas?

Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

I'm jealous! Beautiful country, maybe not so much in winter...
Mary

 

[CindyinSD]

@CindyinSD
Excellent advice!
Question for you...my wife and I have been looking at land in the Black Hills for a summer/fall retirement home (we LOVE the Black Hills and have vacationed there many times).
We are looking in a wide area between Spearfish to the south to Hot Springs with the Lead area having some attractive properties.

Any suggestions? Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish, Hot Springs? Or are we missing some really good areas?

Thanks!

Custer is very nice. A few miles from Custer State Park, lots of beautiful exposed rock. It's a small town, but big enough that there're usually a variety of properties for sale in the vicinity.

We live near Silver City (no post office--just a settlement) There are a lot of people there who only come for summer, and they seem nice. Silver City is on Rapid Creek, at the head of Pactola Lake. It's a storytale location, imo.

I would not choose Deadwood or Lead. My mother grew up in that area and it can still be a bit... gritty? Rough?

There are nice suburbs in the area, though. Spearfish is expensive but beautiful. They have a really nice park on the river and are near to Spearfish Canyon. You might even find a place in the Canyon if you're lucky. It's a very popular place for summer cabins and there are often one or two up for sale.

I'm jealous! Beautiful country, maybe not so much in winter...
Mary

Oh it's beautiful enough in winter--only there's just so dang MUCH of it!

 

[MrsJones05]

Depends on how heavy/bad your predator load is, and if there's things you can do to mitigate risk in addition to the fencing. For example I only have HWC up the bottom few feet of my chain link, but I'm usually home and can hear any noise coming from the run from my computer, the kitchen, etc. So the fence rarely gets tested, I can chase off most prowling critters before they can try anything.

I know of coyotes, raccoons, and raptors. I think I'll start with the bottom and add as I go. Thanks