I really need some help!

[spiritdance]

Just my opinion, but poultry netting is useless if you have racoons and/or opossums in the area unless you do something to stop them from climbing. They'll shred it pretty quickly and just climb on through the hole for a nice meal! Even if your chooks are too much for them, they'll clean out any eggs in there and completely stress out your birds. Hot wire along the bottom works nicely for us. We put two strands along the bottom and another along the top in case an enterprising predator jumps over the bottom ones and clings to the fence. Even if they're that ingenious they still have to hook their paws over the top to pull themselves up, and that top wire is the ultimate convincer. We haven't lost any birds to predators from our pen since we put the hot wire in, and they have access to it even at night (I never lock them in the coop unless the weather is absolutely terrible!)

 

[patandchickens]

We barely have any predators

Sorry, but that is almost certainly VERY incorrect. There are lots of raccoons and possums in your region, also the "someone's loose dog" factor is a huge risk unless you have a SERIOUSLY dogproof fence around the yard that the coop is in. Plus of course things like weasels (yes, you have them) and foxes and coyotes (ditto), etcetera. And hawks, but pretty much any kind of netting on the top will deter hawks reasonably well.

If you will WITHOUT FAIL every single day of your chickens' life lock them into the coop before dusk and not let them out til dawn, then not having a seriously predatorproof run is less of an issue. (Although raccoons do sometimes hunt by day, especially when they have babies to feed, and a lot of daytime dogs/foxes/coyotes can climb a chainlink fence if they really want...)

But if you are planning on leaving the popdoor open at night, even just sometimes, or will sometimes not get home to close it until after dark or may have to open it before dawn... it's up to you of course but I'd VERY SERIOUSLY suggest putting a STRONG top on that run. Meaning, 2x4 wire mesh or something smaller (not chickenwire), supported by stout 2x4 "rafters" and any additional posts that may be needed. DO NOT TARP IT this way, or rain/snow is likely to take it down. The problem with a flimsier arrangement is that a big heavy raccoon, or a big heavy raccoon and several of its grown children who are still hunting along with mama, can take down lighter wire or a less well supported/attached setup.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Ok, so after reading all this I guess I am gonna have to buy some 2x4 fencing!
http://www.tractorsupply.com/fencing/welded-wire-fencing/welded-wire-60-in-x-100-ft--3626499 Would this work? Also, do I attach this with J-clips or Hog Rings to the kennel I am using for a run? And, I feel really dumb asking this, but how much is it? I can't find the price.

Oh, and can anyone find some 2x4 welded/galvanized 6 in x 40-50 ft. length fencing for under $150?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
You must have missed my last post or I was not clear. No. It will not work. The kennel has a top railing. J-clips and hog rings will not work with that railiing. I suggest using wire to attach the top to the kennel railing.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
Lowe's has 60" 2x4 welded wire fencing in 50 foot lengths for $41, advertised on their website. That does not mean your local Lowe's has it but they should be able to get it.

 

[Chicken0Boy]

disregard this message

 

[WhetzelMomma]

That fencing you're going to use isn't going to keep a racoon out they will reach in a pull your chickens through the wire. They can get through some pretty small spaces. As can rats which will also get into your pen and create problems. You need hardware cloth. http://www.tractorsupply.com/fencing/welded-wire-fencing/hardware-cloth-10-ft-x-36-in--3627055 Just at the bottom of your pen.

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Ok this is it... for my run I am going to buy 1 of these to add to my other 1 http://www.tractorsupply.com/doc-bob-reg-professional-kennel-5-ft-w-x-10-ft-l-x-6-ft-h-3606033 . Then I am going to use wire to tie this to the top to keep predators out. http://www.lowes.com/pd_92258-307-7..._prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1 . Then I have some leftover hardware cloth from my brooder! Does all this make my new run about right?

 

[WhetzelMomma]

Looks like you'll be secure to me!!

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Quote:
Thank goodness I finally got that of check list! It has been bugging me all day to figure this thing out.

Thanks to all you 'peeps' who helped me with my run ordeal!