Mesh predator apron being REALLY HARD to do

[gtaus]

...There’s a LOT of conflicting information on BYC. I find it takes more reading to decide whose opinions are the ones to follow. Ditto YouTube, and most other sources online!

So true. I am starting to get into the philosophy of Permaculture, which has 12 principles but the first one is Observe and interact. In other words, you try something out, see if it works for you in your situation, and then make changes as necessary to improve your outcome. The advice you get from someone may have worked well for them in their situation, but if it does not work well for you, then you interact and change.

I find BYC, YouTube, etc... to be great sources of shared information. I tend to follow the advice of those who already agree with the way I am thinking. BUT, I appreciate all the advice because if my way does not work out, I will try a different approach. As long as you can accept the idea that change may be necessary and a good thing, every decision you make is less stressful because it's just a part of the ongoing process.

 

[paneubert]

I think the predator apron is supposed to stop larger dogs, raccoons, skunks, etc... from trying to dig into the run enclosure.

The predator apron is to keep 100% of predators out, including mice and rats (and mink, and weasels, and martins, and......). 1/2 inch mesh is the standard apron sizing due to this.

 

[mowin]

Just because it's what Carolina Coop suggests, doesn't mean it's the most effective.

My coop and run is level, but the ground is far from it. I added boards to fill in the gaps where the ground didn't meet up with the bottom of the run.
You can see in this pic what I'm referring to.

As far as the HC, measure the length you need, roll it out against the way it's packaged. Bend a 6" 90° angle. Start at the high side and using screws and washers, start fastening. If you get a "bubble" or " wave" in the HC that is on the ground, make a relief cut. Cut all the way to the run. The ends will overlap and lay flat.

 

[aart]

Sorry ya'll are having a tough time.
HC is not easy to work with.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As someone who has had rat problems, I still disagree with using larger opening wire. So no bigger than 1/2" on apron for me. If mice are a problem, 1/2" may even be too big, if the mouse is tiny enough.

 

[Celticdragonfly]

As someone who has had rat problems, I still disagree with using larger opening wire. So no bigger than 1/2" on apron for me. If mice are a problem, 1/2" may even be too big, if the mouse is tiny enough.

I kinda expect the chickens to take care of any mice, from what I've heard.

And the 1/2" mesh is what I *have*, so it's just trying to figure out how to work with it.

 

[aart]

so it's just trying to figure out how to work with it.

Seeing where you're trying to attach it might help garner suggestions.
I found it easiest to cut and bend on concrete garage floor, then carry out pieces to install.

 

[rosemarythyme]

And the 1/2" mesh is what I *have*, so it's just trying to figure out how to work with it.

It really is a pain, I won't lie - worth it in the end and you'll get better at installing it once you're about halfway through, but it is a lot of work. Tell your hubby to hang in there!

 

[Ghosty]

Ultimately, you have to make your own educated decisions. I don't want rats or mice in my coop. I don't have a rat or mouse problem, heck, I never see one. I did see a little mole the other day, and a dead mouse when I converted the coop. The point is, I know they are around, even if they aren't a problem. If I'm going to the effort to install an apron, I don't want to do it all over again.
A raised coop may have less of these issues, but I still wouldn't want them in my run. There are other small, more dangerous predators, that can clean you out. If you keep your chickens locked up in one area, you make them sitting ducks for whatever comes along.
But... only you know your situation, we are trying to help you make an informed one. Don't wrestle the HC, level out your ground and cover your HC. Use screws and fender washers, and large sod staples to secure it to the soil.

 

[gtaus]

The predator apron is to keep 100% of predators out,...

When I was a small kid, we had a chicken house with a concrete floor. That floor was 100% predator proof. But those animals are smart, and hungry, and are always looking for another way in. So if you need 1/2 inch mesh predator apron, then everything else had better be 1/5 inch mesh or smaller.

As for me, I will be building my coop tight to lock up the chickens at night. But my chicken run will be using 2X4 inch wire with 2X4 predator apron. During the day, I mostly have to worry about neighborhood dogs. Most predators I have to worry about are nocturnal hunters, and if the chickens are locked up in a predator proof coop, then I won't worry.