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.
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.
