Poultry Fencing?

[gunny]

do you think it will keep coyotes out?

 

[kasey08]

idk i'm new

.. lol i was just agreeing with you... havent tried it out yet and dont want my chicks killed

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:
I wouldn't bet on it

 

[babyblue]

no, any wire that a human can easily bend and stretch with their bare hands a coon, dog, cotote and what not can tear right threw like a hot knife threw butter.

 

[Lola12]

We had been planning on using chicken wire for our outdoor run, but based on what I've read in this forum I realize it's not sufficient. So we're thinking of using chicken wire plus 2" x 4" fencing from a dog run we're tearing down. We're afraid the 2 x 4 alone might not keep out something like weasels. How does this combo sound to you all? My girls will have access to their run overnight, so I want it to be safe. Thanks for any input!

 

[gryeyes]

I make a triple layer of fencing: chicken wire, covered by that black, plastic "poultry" fencing (although I found green stuff when I expanded the run, and used it instead of black), then covered by the three foot wide hardware cloth on the bottom. I bend it so one foot of the stuff is like an "apron" on the outside of the fence. Then I use "earth staples" to lock it all down.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
If you're worried about weasels I think you need to go with 1/2" hardware cloth.

Ed

 

[Lola12]

Thanks! The only weasels I know of for sure that frequent the woods next to my property are striped skunks. Surely the chicken wire and 2 x 4 would be sufficient for them? I had read in a chicken book that small weasels can get through very small openings, but I can't imagine even a juvenile white striped getting through? So much to consider, needing to balance costs with safety!

 

[Intheswamp]

Ok, skunks and weasels are two different things. You'll *probably* be ok with what you're proposing.

Be aware that you are putting your chickens at risk by leaving their coop open at night if you don't have a covered run and well protected perimeter around your run (protected against digging with an apron, etc.,.). Also, for overnight defense the run needs to be made of the same hardware cloth normally used to secure coops which would be 1/2" wire or smaller. It is much easier to let the chickens have easy access to the run rather than opening and closing the pop door each day, but it is also much harder to secure an entire run than it is to secure a coop.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Lola12]

Well, actually skunks are weasels, but I know what you mean! I would love to just shut my girls in at night, but my crazy schedule won't always make that possible. I have no evidence that there are any predators lurking right now....hopefully my dog will deter some of them. Hey, I"ve seen something about red lights that look like an animal's eyes that make predators nervous. Anyone know anything about this?