Input needed.... run advice

[hthompson]

So I am building my own run and coop. I want to build my run first because my girls are only 4 weeks and still have a few weeks left in the house until they are big enough and it is warm enough for them to be outside overnight BUT they do go out during the day in an oversized dog crate.

I am thinking of building a frame for my run using 8ft 2x4's and 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Eventually it will be attached to the coop but do you think this will be sturdy enough? I have 5 girls. 4 orpingtons and a partridge cochin. I do have a fenced in yard. My main concern during the day is the neighbor's cat.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Judy]

Sounds good to me.

 

[aart]

1/2" x 1/2" is small enough mesh, and cheaper too I think than 1/4" x 1/4". Get GAW (Galvanized After Welding), should be marked as such. Cheapest place I have found to buy large quantities in wider width rolls, if you don't have free shipping somehow, is my local Ace hardware. They ordered me 4' x 100' rolls for $105 each.

Just make sure you use either heavy duty 3/4" fencing staples or screws with washers to attach the mesh.

I like the idea of screws better as they are easier to use in the first place and can be easily removed for any changes you might want/need to make.

Do an advanced search, title only, on hardware cloth..... lots of discussion.