Ideas for predator-proofing bottom of run?

[Mims]

I have tons of predators living out in the country. We also have field rats and gophers. I am in the process of building my run, and am covering the entire floor with HW cloth, then covering with sand. The apron won't work, because some of the holes they dig are several feet deep. They will eventually tunnel right under the sides of the run.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

If you have dirt then sure, two inches deep and recover. I've got grass so use a shovel and cut 2'x2' squares of the sod and peel it out then lay down the welded wire. That's for my permanent winter run. Recently purchased electric poultry fencing with hot gate that I need to get up this week. The grow out pen is getting cramped and they'll love that 170' of perimeter. The grow out pen is portable so lay the welded wire on the ground with it just tucked under the pen side.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I have tons of predators living out in the country. We also have field rats and gophers. I am in the process of building my run, and am covering the entire floor with HW cloth, then covering with sand. The apron won't work, because some of the holes they dig are several feet deep. They will eventually tunnel right under the sides of the run.

Animals don't think to back up rather dig right at the fence line. Hit wire and move down the fence line trying again. The aprons really do work. I'd not pour all that money into hardware cloth. As for rats I use tamper proof bait boxes with chunks bait. No problems in two years and keep a box right in the run.