predators that could climb a fence?

[bravo331]

I am planning on building a run that has high walls and and a gap at the top so guinea hens can get in and out. Are there predators that can climb up the chicken wire and over the top? We just got our babies (6 pullets and 4 guinea fowl) never had chickens before but gotta start somewhere! The guineas will need to get in and out, hence the gap at the top. After reading some of the posts in this forum I am now terrified about predators and neighbors dogs!

 

[SilkiesAndSuch]

Raccoons, possums, bobcats, fishers, minks, and many more. Not to mention owls and hawks that can fly over and attack the babies if the run isn't covered.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
And while they are young, feral cats. Truthfully, leaving a gap at the top is basically the same as not having any cover at all when it comes to risk of predator attack.

 

[nnbreeder]

Also chicken wire is only good for keeping chickens in, not keeping things out. I have also had roosters break the welds on welded wire fighting through the wire so use a good, small opening woven wire or hardware cloth to cover the run.

 

[Kennyog]

A fox can,and will climb a fence.I have seen a fox in a tree before.

 

[gsim]

Quote:

Forget climbing if you are using chicken wire. Many preds will rip right through it and rats have been known to chew thru it. Foxes, coons, and some dogs and possibly coyotes can climb a fence.

You need 2x4 welded wire 6 ft tall, with a 2 ft tall run of hardware cloth mesh all around at the bottom. Then you need a good fence charger. I installed a 5-mile Zareba brand that I got from Tractor Supply and put in 4 courses of hot wire all around. I set my 2x4 welded wire in cement to discourage dig-ins. So far, so good. If you have chicks outside, you will need the top covered too, and plastic deer fence is good for that.