Need shopping list help - quick!

[Chicken Salad]

I just found out a local hardware store is going out of business and so I'm thinking I should get my coop supplies there "at deep discounts"...but I have no time to really research the following:

1. what I need to fence in the run with.
2. what to put on top of the run.

I would so appreciate someone giving me the crash course on the best materials to use so I can come up with my shopping list fast and save money.

Thanks!

 

[Clay In Iowa]

I'm new at this but here goes........

Hardware cloth/heavy gauge wire (small opening) for enclosure
green treated (salt treated) 4x4 for posts
Deer netting/chicken wire for over head.
2x4s for supporting over head wire/netting and between 4 x4s
Quickrete (concrete mix) for posts
Nails, screws etc for multiple jobs.

Enough lumber for a new larger coop.

 

[Chicken Salad]

Quote:
I know, right?
Thanks!

 

[LynneP]

When you buy screws, choose 'deck screws' which are protected (galvanized)
The hardware cloth should be no bigger than 1/2" mesh
Are you roofing? You might get some clear vinyl VERY cheaply, even if it's enough for the part of the run close to the pop door...

 

[Chicken Salad]

Quote:
Good to know on the screws...*making note*
The playhouse I'm using has a roof on it - though I don't know how sound it is.

Thanks!

 

[Sylvie]

If you are going with wooden posts for your run try heavy duty staples, the kind that you need a hammer for not a stapler to securely tack on your fencing. Predators like raccoons and dogs can't dislodge those!
When you use the screws reinforce the screw head with a flat washer which will strengthen the surface area of the screw. They are cheap and I used them for the hardware cloth over my windows, too.

I used 2 x 4 welded wire for my fence with the hardware cloth at the bottom over the welded wire with it buried 1 1/2 ft. I bought 5 ft high welded wire but could have gone with 6ft because I have to bend a little in the run and that is much more fatiguing than I thought it would be.
Also get extra wood to run horizontally along the top from post to post and bottom post to post. It keeps your run posts straight and your fencing secured.

Don't forget a gate which would need hinges and a latch.

 

[ChanceRider]

Screws and large, flat washers, for installing the hardware wire. When we built our run I started off using a hammer and very heavy duty fencing staples. Since then I've switched to using the screws and washers to attach the wire. It's much easier, the spacing can be a bit further apart, and can be easily removed if you decide to make changes later on.

Good luck and happy shopping!