Predator Proofing Floor with NoClimb Fence

[powerw]

I would like to add a question to this. First, if I have completely encase the above ground elements of a chicken run with chicken wire, can I use standard no-climb fencing to integrate a floor that will keep out coons and bobcats? I live in Fort Worth TX, and as far as I know, I don't don't think I have weasels or ferrets here. It seems to me that this is "open" enough to let the chickens hunt and peck through the wire. It would also allow me to easily move the whole apparatus left and right using my "chunnel" so that I could keep them on some fresh grass.

So my set up is totally encased coop with auto door <>16ft chunnel <> 10x20 chicken-wire encased coop with tied-in corner-to-corner no-climb fencing floor.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Chicken wire keeps chickens in but not predators out. It is just twisted together, even a small dog can rip a hole through chicken wire. Things like coons will reach right into chicken wire or standard no climb wire. That wire is made for horses to prevent hoof entanglement. You will want at least 19 gauge hardware cloth, 16 gauge if you can find it and can afford it

I doubt you have black bears there? If so, might want to back up that wire with something heavier like chain link fencing over the hardware cloth.


Best of luck.

 

[powerw]

Chicken wire keeps chickens in but not predators out. It is just twisted together, even a small dog can rip a hole through chicken wire. Things like coons will reach right into chicken wire or standard no climb wire. That wire is made for horses to prevent hoof entanglement. You will want at least 19 gauge hardware cloth, 16 gauge if you can find it and can afford it

I doubt you have black bears there? If so, might want to back up that wire with something heavier like chain link fencing over the hardware cloth.


Best of luck.

Chicken wire keeps chickens in but not predators out. It is just twisted together, even a small dog can rip a hole through chicken wire. Things like coons will reach right into chicken wire or standard no climb wire. That wire is made for horses to prevent hoof entanglement. You will want at least 19 gauge hardware cloth, 16 gauge if you can find it and can afford it

I doubt you have black bears there? If so, might want to back up that wire with something heavier like chain link fencing over the hardware cloth.


Best of luck.

Ok. Thank you my concept was really that the chicken run was a daytime use activity. I assumed that chickens would see and avoid proximity to a predator trying to get through the fencing or trying to dig up through the floor. Are you saying that raccoons can catch chickens through the wire with their hands?

I really just want to make sure that nothing can penetrate the coop and be waiting for them when the automatic door opens and let them out in the morning.

 

[McChooky]

I would like to add a question to this. First, if I have completely encase the above ground elements of a chicken run with chicken wire, can I use standard no-climb fencing to integrate a floor that will keep out coons and bobcats? I live in Fort Worth TX, and as far as I know, I don't don't think I have weasels or ferrets here. It seems to me that this is "open" enough to let the chickens hunt and peck through the wire. It would also allow me to easily move the whole apparatus left and right using my "chunnel" so that I could keep them on some fresh grass.

So my set up is totally encased coop with auto door <>16ft chunnel <> 10x20 chicken-wire encased coop with tied-in corner-to-corner no-climb fencing floor.

Chicken wire allows rats and snakes to get inside your coop and eat your eggs and chicks .They sometimes attack adult chickens too (esp if they're a small breed) Rats are filthy beasts that spread disease and love chicken feed. Just a word to the wise so there's no surprises! Wishing you the best!