Poultry netting or welded wire

[cdonze43]

Making an enclosed chicken run to attach to my tractor coop. It's gonna be about 70-80 sq ft. I have hawks, owls, neighborhood dogs, and have seen coyotes and a fox in the area. I am in the country so snakes, possum, and raccoon are also around. Should I use welded wire or poultry netting? If welded wire, should it be smaller than 2x4 hole? I'm looking for suggestions and ideas

 

[redsoxs]

Yes, go with welded wire - it's pricey but safe. And yes, go with the small mesh - like 1/2" - that way critters can't get their greedy little paws into the holes and snatch a bird. Best wishes!

 

[tekwyatt]

My run is 6' x 12' and is completely covered in welded 1\2" wire. It is not a tractor type so I did not have to worry about mobility. The welded wire around us is only 3' wide so it would take more support. We have all the critters you are talking about and heard that the chicken wire is easily tore into and the 2" x 4" will allow long arms to reach in and snag a leg or head and try and drag through the fence.
Look around the forums and see what others have done. Good Luck

 

[drumstick diva]

The name chicken wire is deceiving - people believe that is what should be used for chickens. It is a very soft, yielding wire that can keep chickens in but, can't keep predators out., they can tear through it like a hot knife thru butter.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Happy you joined!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I use heavy-duty Poultry Netting over the top of my large run, you can find sections on Ebay for not that much.

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! Hardware cloth is the way to go, good luck to you.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[gvh221]

Welcome to BYC!! Glad you joined! Lizz9910 x 2....I also use hardware cloth, and it seems to be very good at keeping predators out.

 

[OldGuy43]

I tried plastic poultry netting early on, and discovered that our hens would just peck their way thru it.