Ideal run fence

[Ruralhideaway]

I just don't want to regret it after learning that a coyote decided to rip through it.

 

[Welshies]

I just don't want to regret it after learning that a coyote decided to rip through it.

Coyotes can really only rip through chicken wire reliably.
Hardware cloth is much too strong for any predator to tear through except a bear maybe.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Bear live nearby but unlikely to be in the yard. Did happen once, bird feeders never recovered lol.

 

[Hope Hughes]

This is a picture of one section of the run we have here in FL. Like i said if you have minks really bad i would do HWC for the whole thing.

When we lived in OK we had thd whole coop HWC and we have like a million coytes out there... in the 3 years we lived there with chickens only had to shoot one. It was up by the fence and we think it was sick... but never have had issues with anuthing breaking through the HWC.
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[Welshies]

This is a picture of one section of the run we have here in FL. Like i said if you have minks really bad i would do HWC for the whole thing. View attachment 1228703
When we lived in OK we had thd whole coop HWC and we have like a million coytes out there... in the 3 years we lived there with chickens only had to shoot one. It was up by the fence and we think it was sick... but never have had issues with anuthing breaking through the HWC.
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HC is the best.

 

[lazy gardener]

Coyotes can really only rip through chicken wire reliably.
Hardware cloth is much too strong for any predator to tear through except a bear maybe.

Not so. I've had a coon tear welded 1/2" HW cloth to shreds when trapped in a trap that we had lengthened with HW cloth. Of course, one might say that b/c he was trapped, he was more determined. But, the point is, a determined predator can rip HW cloth.

 

[Welshies]

Not so. I've had a coon tear welded 1/2" HW cloth to shreds when trapped in a trap that we had lengthened with HW cloth. Of course, one might say that b/c he was trapped, he was more determined. But, the point is, a determined predator can rip HW cloth.

Hmm... interesting... never heard that before.

 

[blackdog043]

I just don't want to regret it after learning that a coyote decided to rip through it.

Yep, do it once and the way you feel comfortable with predators in your area. Some people use chicken wire and feel it's safe. Some people don't cover their run and do fine. I used the shelving rack on the lower 4 ft, because I got it cheaper than a roll of 2 x 4 welded wire, at the Habitat Restore.
My motto for some things is "cry now or cry later" So spend a few extra dollars and try to keep your chickens safer, or cry when something gets inside and kills them and you regret not spending a little more money on protection. I sleep well at night, with my coop and run open 24/7.

 

[Welshies]

Yep, do it once and the way you feel comfortable with predators in your area. Some people use chicken wire and feel it's safe. Some people don't cover their run and do fine. I used the shelving rack on the lower 4 ft, because I got it cheaper than a roll of 2 x 4 welded wire, at the Habitat Restore.
My motto for some things is "cry now or cry later" So spend a few extra dollars and try to keep your chickens safer, or cry when something gets inside and kills them and you regret not spending a little more money on protection. I sleep well at night, with my coop and run open 24/7.

x2. I used chicken wire doubled layer for years (12-16) and it was safe. However, now that I'm older I don't advise it. I knew I was lucky in the past. I use hardware cloth now, or on large bird pastures welded hexagon mesh I get custom made.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Coyotes can really only rip through chicken wire reliably.
Hardware cloth is much too strong for any predator to tear through except a bear maybe.

Had a cat rush the run one time and bounced right off. I only use 1/2”x1/2” hardware clothe on my runs and any openings, anything bigger and I can’t sleep at night. Good luck with your run build. Just a thought, but I panelize my runs to make it easier to assemble them and take them apart, plus you don’t have to secure them in the ground.