lead-free as possible

[SherriPalmer]

Please bear with me. For many reasons, DH requires that we use lead-free materials for most everything. He is a cognitive scientist with a background in chemistry and it just isn't open for debate (believe me, we've been married for 25 years, no debating this one). Given these constraints- he is designing and building a run for our chickens.
Galvanized wire mesh generally contains lead along with the zinc. Therefore, he will not allow the wire to touch the ground (lead could leach into soil, run-off to the pond, vegetable garden,etc). His idea is to attach the wire mesh to 2x6s, bury that frame (just the wood part) a few inches into the ground, then line concrete blocks all around the outside of the run. Another option he's considering is: attach the 2x6s to a plywood floor, then the wire and concrete blocks described above.
The coop (Snap Lock) will be inside the penned area and they will be locked in at night. Predators are a serious concern here.
I really need advice from people with experience.
Do either of these two methods sound like they'd protect our birds from predators when they are in their run, unattended, during the daytime? Does someone know of another idea that does not include wire coming in contact with the ground??
And finally, I know that not ALL companies use lead in their galvanizing process, but I can't find any way to find out WHICH wire would be the "unleaded" kind. Most of you won't be surprised to hear that I get a lot of blank stares when I inquire about this at supply stores. Stainless steel wire is too expensive. Anyone know of lead-free wire mesh? (and PLEASE, don't reply by saying that this is silly, I need a run for the chickens in the next couple of weeks and the constraints are NOT going to change.) THANK YOU.

 

[clintdaniels83]

Food for thought, as I use to work around lead. Wouldn't the rain fall on the fence, run down and leech into the ground. But a lead-free option would be a challenge.

 

[JackE]

Premier's electrified poultry netting. Lead free, and better than any regular fence(For chickens) anyway.
Jack

 

[SherriPalmer]

Food for thought, as I use to work around lead. Wouldn't the rain fall on the fence, run down and leech into the ground. But a lead-free option would be a challenge.

Yes indeed. His answer: there will be a roof over the run so it will get less rain, it would be worse if the wire were touching the ground, and he doesn't like any of the idea with lead wire and wants me to find an alternative. His dad is a chemistry professor and used to taunt DH by running his hand over a lead bar in front of him.

 

[SherriPalmer]

Premier's electrified poultry netting. Lead free, and better than any regular fence(For chickens) anyway.
Jack

This is what he is wanting to do. I'm wary of the electricity hurting the chickens, I guess our dog will get the point very quickly without much harm (you can just imagine our conversations about this project!). Can you put a top on electric fencing? Can you put a gate on it to access the pen? Would it work on its own or would it be better to have, say, a wooden fence around the run then an electric fence around that? Thank so much.

 

[SherriPalmer]

I meant for this to be put in the coop and run construction area not predators. I don't know how to move it though.

 

[JackE]

This is what he is wanting to do. I'm wary of the electricity hurting the chickens, I guess our dog will get the point very quickly without much harm (you can just imagine our conversations about this project!). Can you put a top on electric fencing? Can you put a gate on it to access the pen? Would it work on its own or would it be better to have, say, a wooden fence around the run then an electric fence around that? Thank so much.

You could put up some kind of frame, and put netting of some kind or the other over, if you wish. I don't have anything over mine, they have the coop and a big bushy area to hide under. They learn about what the threats are. As far as a gate goes, I just disconnect and pull up a corner post to get in. The pic below shows my gate. The fence works works perfectly on it's own. I had/have fox and other predators around here, and this fence has been the answer for me. I have 600' of it. As far as the chickens go, they learn to respect the fence. You know when they get too close. Though there is no kind of lasting damage. They don't like it. Check out Premier's website and see what they have.
Jack

 

[SherriPalmer]

You could put up some kind of frame, and put netting of some kind or the other over, if you wish. I don't have anything over mine, they have the coop and a big bushy area to hide under. They learn about what the threats are. As far as a gate goes, I just disconnect and pull up a corner post to get in. The pic below shows my gate. The fence works works perfectly on it's own. I had/have fox and other predators around here, and this fence has been the answer for me. I have 600' of it. As far as the chickens go, they learn to respect the fence. You know when they get too close. Though there is no kind of lasting damage. They don't like it. Check out Premier's website and see what they have.
Jack

I'm on the site now. My husband loves the idea though he is asking me if I'm SURE it has no lead and where it is made (must be fair, he is patient with my quirks!) I think we're going to order it tomorrow. This is great, thanks for narrowing it down for us!

 

[aart]

Just curious as to his opinion on the chemicals off gassing from that plastic snaplock coop when it heats up in the sun??

 

[Judy]

I meant for this to be put in the coop and run construction area not predators. I don't know how to move it though.

Any time you want something deleted (like an accidental double post) or moved, just click the red flag on the lower right and tell us. You can't do these things, but it's simple enough for us.

Good luck!