reinforcing coop against predators?

[lilmagill]

I am getting my coop (run) reinforced. I wanted to put hardware cloth over my existing chicken wire but cannot find hardware cloth anywhere. Tractor supply, southern states etc. does not carry it. The guy that is going to do the work on my coop uses a 2" x 2" 14 gauge wire. That seems like a big hole to me, but that's what he used on a friend's run who lives deeper in the country, and she's had no problems with predators getting through that wire. is there anyone out there that uses this kind of wire? thoughts? Thank you!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

A raccoon can reach through wire like that. Just because they haven't had a problem yet doesn't mean they never will, and it doesn't mean it's appropriate for your situation either.

I see that the Mooresville NC TSC location says it has plenty of welded wire in stock, though they generally aren't the cheapest. I usually buy it at home depot/lowes though others order it online.

 

[Chickiemom25]

I am getting my coop (run) reinforced. I wanted to put hardware cloth over my existing chicken wire but cannot find hardware cloth anywhere. Tractor supply, southern states etc. does not carry it. The guy that is going to do the work on my coop uses a 2" x 2" 14 gauge wire. That seems like a big hole to me, but that's what he used on a friend's run who lives deeper in the country, and she's had no problems with predators getting through that wire. is there anyone out there that uses this kind of wire? thoughts? Thank you!

Tractor Supply here has welded wire, cage wire, and horse fencing in various heights throughout Alabama. . Usually outside in the chain link area. Also Lowes and Home depot carry it but usually not quite as tall or as cheap.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Yup, at TSC usually the big stuff (over 3' tall) is outside where they have fence panels and other large items.

Regardless of where I buy it, I only but it on sale lol.

Also check craigslist. I sometimes see people selling leftover fencing on there.

 

[lilmagill]

everywhere I've called only has 3 or 4 foot tall hardware cloth. that must be the only height it comes in. my guy would rather use a 6 foot height so as not to create many seams. all of my past problems have been with seams.

 

[lilmagill]

Tractor Supply here has welded wire, cage wire, and horse fencing in various heights throughout Alabama. . Usually outside in the chain link area. Also Lowes and Home depot carry it but usually not quite as tall or as cheap.

thank you. my guy wants to use wrapped wire instead of welded.

 

[lilmagill]

A raccoon can reach through wire like that. Just because they haven't had a problem yet doesn't mean they never will, and it doesn't mean it's appropriate for your situation either.

I see that the Mooresville NC TSC location says it has plenty of welded wire in stock, though they generally aren't the cheapest. I usually buy it at home depot/lowes though others order it online.

when I called the Mooresville store all they had was 15 feet of hardware cloth. At a 3 foot height.

 

[centrarchid]

I can use the 2" x 2" welded wire and get away with it. I can also do it with classical chicken wire so long as raccoon does not try to tear through. Process clearly what I wrote above. My raccoons generally do not try to force through or grab through wire unless potential victim is very close, as in close enough to touch. One of my favorite games is getting birds within coop or pen to roost at least 18" away from material that is intended to keep predator out. Another trick is to keep the predator from even approaching the cage close enough to touch material. In reality I do both approaches at same time; plus some other things. I have a lot of pens so have seen pattern in terms of what predators will try.

 

[lilmagill]

I can use the 2" x 2" welded wire and get away with it. I can also do it with classical chicken wire so long as raccoon does not try to tear through. Process clearly what I wrote above. My raccoons generally do not try to force through or grab through wire unless potential victim is very close, as in close enough to touch. One of my favorite games is getting birds within coop or pen to roost at least 18" away from material that is intended to keep predator out. Another trick is to keep the predator from even approaching the cage close enough to touch material. In reality I do both approaches at same time; plus some other things. I have a lot of pens so have seen pattern in terms of what predators will try.

how do you keep the predator away from your fencing? My killings have all happened in the coop, not the run. They have gotten through the seams of the chicken wire or have broken through the wire at the base to get in. so I plan on putting the 2 x 2 over the chicken wire with minimal seams. Aproned of course. I think it's a raccoon or a fox but I am afraid of weasels now since I have heard that 2 x 2 does not keep weasels out. I set a humane trap 2 nights ago. First night the can of cat food was moved and emptied. Second night... nothing. But today a dead fox was found down the road. could've been him.

 

[centrarchid]

I use hotwire and dogs to keep critters away from pens. Hotire does most of that but dogs more flexible. I assume your budget is limited so will not even consider dogs. My low cost approach for protecting pens / coops is to make so hotwire is setup really close to the pens I am trying to protect. So close the predator at ground level is likely to touch fence if close enough to touch pen and it will get zapped. It does not take much of a zap to repel most predators that are simply probing so I use a lower output solar charger. The hotwire is positioned 4-6" from pen and ground. That should be easy to do for a run. Technical challenge is if you have a door you go through a lot like with a walk-in in coop. Then I reinforce corner of windows and door. If door is above ground then make so you can step over hotwire without touching it. Then you can have so hotwire is only an inch or two away from things that will short it out.