Questions about wire size

[ctychix]

I need help trying to decide what wire to use for the chicken run outside the attached coop. Had intended to used 1 x 1/2 19G but it is quite expensive, has anyone used larger and had predator issues? I'm afraid a coon could reach through 1 x 1, although my hens are secured in the solid coop at night. I don't want to sacrifice security. I've read many posts but don't seem to find what I'm looking for. Has anyone have experience with predators in relation to wire type used?

 

[ChickBond 007]

We're just beginning to look at wire for the run also. I'll be interested to hear what is recommended to you.

 

[patandchickens]

If you are concerned about reach-through with 1x1 wire, you can run 1/2" hardwarecloth or 1/2" chickenwire (NOT the usual 1" chickenwire) on the inside of your 1x1 mesh, for the bottom 2-3' of the fence. If the chickens are locked up at night, though, the realistic risk to your chickens of just having 1x1 mesh is pretty low, although accidents can happen.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[HippieHomesteader]

Using 1" x 1/2" wire was cost-prohibitive for me, as well, so I did the whole run in 1" chicken wire, then ran 1" x 1/2" wire around the outside on the bottom 2', with a 1' "skirt" laying on the ground. We are covering the skirt with dirt and grass. I figured my girls are in the secure coop at night, and my biggest predator concerns during the day are domestic dogs and hawks, so I put my money into safeguarding my run against those threats.

 

[flopshot]

i like to layer my defense. chain link on the outside for strength and a three foot high section of hardware cloth on the inside to prevent reach in or heads sticking out of the run. the apron is another issue but i used a six foot wide fabric mesh designed for retaining walls and 6X6 treated lumber foundation.

 

[HappyHatch'en]

I found some Free chain link 4 feet high, made a 2 x 4 frame 4' x 10'....nailed chain link to frame, used 18" x 10 Chicken-wire... wired it to the chain link at the bottom...it makes a great fence section and very sturdy.