Making the Run predator proof

[WoodlandWoman]

Ericz, I think you need to cover your run with something stronger than chicken wire. A lot of different predators will go through that, including dogs and raccoons. Unless you have dogs guarding your property that are out there all the time, chicken wire is not enough. I would at least layer a stronger fencing over the top of it around the bottom, like a 2" x 4" welded wire fencing. That will help keep out dogs. I've only seen a dog go through that once. Chicken wire is weaker, since it's made with a finer wire and also stretchy, because it's only twisted, not welded. It's easier for animals with strong jaws to get a grip on it, stretching and tearing holes in it.

 

[oldchickenlady]

For the apron, 2x4 welded wire is fine. I used metal tent stakes from Walmart to stake mine down...cheap and works great. Save yourself the extra work of digging. I used 1x2 welded wire on my hoop style run and it has worked great.

 

[elmo]

If I was relying on an apron to deter nightime digging predators, I think I'd go wider than just 10-12 inches. I think I'd go for 2-3 feet.

 

[ericz]

woodland woman, you are right. i need to re-do the enclosure anyway to make it "mate" more closely with the coop's side dimensions, so i will re-inforce with stronger fencing.

old chicken lady, great tip about the tent stakes from walmart!

kristen, i hope you don't mind that i have hijacked your thread

 

[kristen2678]

Quote:
Nope. All valuable information!!

 

[bobbieschicks]

Quote:
that's kind of what i was thinking... not really digging a hole and burying the wire, but more like covering it up with something heavy. but what was the apron made of? 1/2" hardware cloth, or 2x4 welded wire?

(it's nice to see posts from VA. makes me a bit less home-sick)

My 2x4 welded wire doesn't go all the way down - poor planning on my part. My apron is made of 1/2" hardware cloth because it's a 4' tall piece of hardware cloth that extends up about 3' and out as an apron about 1'. The soil has compacted nicely. The rocks aren't that heavy and a raccoon who is hungry could probably move them. But they are another layer of protection. You could probably do better with landscape pavers or blocks - I just used what I had lying around.

If I were to do it over again - I would more carefully plan out the placement of the 2x4s and 4x4s so that I could hang the welded wire without having to use hog ties to connect it and could just poultry staple it in place. I'd also plan on enough wire that I didn't mix and match like I ended up doing. I'd put the welded across the whole top and down all the sides to the bottom. Then I'd put the 1/2" welded up 3' and down 1' on the perimeter. Of course at this point I'm keeping what I have - but I'd plan better next time