predator proofing our run

[sweet6chicks]

I am running some hardware cloth around the outer edge of the run with an apron. and I need some advice. the hardware cloth I have is only 3 ft wide, so I made a 15 inch apron for the ground and the rest will run up the side of the 6ft fencing. What is the best way to attach the upper part of the cloth to the fence?

This seems to be the summer of predators for us, so I am trying to fix things up. Last night when I went out to close the coop door and make sure all the girls were inside I heard them squawking. 2 of them were not in the coop and were yelling, so I knew something was up and ran out. Lots of feathers on the ground but all 6 girls were still there, thankfully. We shut them up in the coop for the night and all was well. this morning I was out by the street and saw roadkill, that I believe is a weasel and think that may be what was after the girls. 2 weeks ago it was a raccoon (I think) digging up the roof of the coop which we had to replace and a few weeks before that we lost one chicken to, we think, a fisher, when we didn't come home before dark (never found the body but saw where it was dragged out of the fence.)

I know eventually I need to cover the whole fence with something smaller than what it is... I don't know, I get overwhelmed just thinking about all that needs to get done, but trying not to let that discourage me too much!

 

[redsoxs]

You can wire it or do what I do which is use a number of heavy duty zip ties.

 

[sweet6chicks]

thanks. my husband got home and reminded me that was what the wire is for!

 

[mithious]

I "sew" mine together with wire...about every 3 squares I run it through. It does take a lot of effort, but it you put the wire up first, zip tie it in place, it's a bit easier to sew...plus I take out a fairly long length of wire, but not enough to tangle up, when sewing it together. Sorry I don't have measurements for you, I just kinda guess and after sewing enough tops for brooder boxes, kinda got the hang of it. If you are only using the zip ties to hold it in place, you can use the really cheap ones, but if you use them for any length of time, use the better, stronger ones...even it it's a temp thing, but will be in place for a bit...hope that helps!