How to install apron on chain link

[Carwile Chicks]

How do you attach an apron fence to a chain-linked pen/ fence? (A coop will be placed inside the pen)

 

[Tashua]

When we built our coop we dug a trench all the way around the run about 18” deep , inserted the hardware cloth straight down then bent it over Away from the coop towards the ground , out about another 18” and covered back with the dirt we had dug out of the trench ........

 

[Carwile Chicks]

When we built our coop we dug a trench all the way around the run about 18” deep , inserted the hardware cloth straight down then bent it over Away from the coop towards the ground , out about another 18” and covered back with the dirt we had dug out of the trench ........

Awesome info!

 

[mowin]

In my area, I'd need a excavator to dig 18" deep. I used metal zip ties to fasten the HC to the fencing about 12" up, then bent the HC so it extends out from the run 24". If you're in a grassy area, the grass will grow up through the HC and you won't even know its there.

 

[Ridgerunner]

On smaller gauge wire I use J-Clips, they are used to build rabbit cages. But that chain-linked is probably a little big in diameter for that to work well, J-clips are for smaller diameter wire. I'd suggest hog rings. The ones I've used are shoat sized but other sizes can work. It's basically an open ring that you squeeze shut. I've used pliers but you can buy a special tool. Some people weave a long wire between the apron and fence. I don't do that but I have cut shorter pieces of wire and twisted it to tie them together.

I have laid an 18" wide fence horizontal and attached it to the bottom of the fence, that works. I've also used Mowin"s method and like it better. Bend a piece of fencing with a 90 degree angle and attach it to the fence. put it on the outside of the run, not the inside. That way a critter goes up to the fence, starts digging, hits the fence, and does not know to back up.

You can just lay it on the top of the soil, grass will eventually grow through it to hold it down but you probably need to put something on it to hold it down until the grass does that. I like to remove the turf, say 2", before I put it in place, then replace that turf. That keeps it out of the way of mowing machines and weed eaters.

On my rocky soil I'm not going to try digging a trench. I got a lot of these rock I used to stop erosion of my driveway when I planted my orchard. I don't dig here unless I have to.

 

[Wrooster]

Chain link or not, I'd dig down a few inches and then out about 18 inches. You want to be far enough out that a critter trying to dig is already standing over the buried wire and you want to be sure the outside edge is well covered. Attach it to the fence (or in your case the bottom rails) with whatever is convenient and strong enough. You could lace it with galvanized wire or tie it on every foot or so. It would not be fun cutting strips of chain link and I'd use regular 2 x 4 fence material or similar - which is also not fun cutting strips of but probably better than chain link.

ETA: Depending on what kind of hostile critters you have, 2 x 4 might be too big but my post was more about what to do, not what to do it with.

 

[Sally PB]

You can just lay it on the top of the soil, grass will eventually grow through it to hold it down but you probably need to put something on it to hold it down until the grass does that.

I did this around my run, but put weed block fabric and mulch over the HC because I knew we were planning to move the coop and run in the fall. The weed block fabric fell apart/ripped/was useless to reuse, but I was able to get the HC up.

 

[Carwile Chicks]

In my area, I'd need a excavator to dig 18" deep. I used metal zip ties to fasten the HC to the fencing about 12" up, then bent the HC so it extends out from the run 24". If you're in a grassy area, the grass will grow up through the HC and you won't even know its there.

I did this around my run, but put weed block fabric and mulch over the HC because I knew we were planning to move the coop and run in the fall. The weed block fabric fell apart/ripped/was useless to reuse, but I was able to get the HC up.

Received! We too have VERY hard/rocky soil...seems like a great resolve!
Question: Have you ever had predator issues?

 

[Carwile Chicks]

In my area, I'd need a excavator to dig 18" deep. I used metal zip ties to fasten the HC to the fencing about 12" up, then bent the HC so it extends out from the run 24". If you're in a grassy area, the grass will grow up through the HC and you won't even know its there.

We too have rocky/hard soil so this is a great resolve...thanks!

 

[Sally PB]

Question: Have you ever had predator issues?

No, but there are plenty in the area. Raccoons, skunks, possum, dogs (including mine), hawks, and eagles.

I have had a mouse and a snake. The girls got the mouse, I took care of the snake.