run construction

[kwhites634]

Hello...seeking more advice...

I'm planning on the run build...16x8

I'm wondering;
-how far apart do you put the studs?
- if one is on a budget, do 2x4's in the run (not on the ground) need to be pressure treated.
- when putting hardware cloth up I was going to use a 100' roll...running it horizontal around the run as far as I can. it's 4' high...run is 7' high...essentially using 2 pieces...how do you connect the top and bottom inbetween studs?

Zip ties

 

[mpoland33]

The whole point of going 4' OC is to have solid attachment points for the HC edges.
I would rather cut more HC than stitch/tie together the seams from going horizontal.
You could always add nailers between studs too tho.

Will your run have a solid roof?
That could affect your stud spacing.

Maybe 8 will have a corrugated off on top but that's about it

 

[imnukensc]

My run is 16x8x7. Studs are 4' OC. Bottom 2 feet are covered with 1/2 X 1 inch cage wire. All wood is pressure treated. Base is 4x4s which are rated for ground contact. Upper wire is 2x3 inch fence wire. Run is totally covered with the fence wire and is partially covered with galvanized 5V roofing.

 

[mpoland33]

2x3 fencing should keep out predators right? We have a lot of fox and raccoons. Saw an opposum the other night as well.

I know 1/2" would be better but so expensive. I would do it just like the above picture with the 1/2 on the bottom and underground for the apron

 

[aart]

2x3 fencing should keep out predators right? We have a lot of fox and raccoons. Saw an opposum the other night as well.

I know 1/2" would be better but so expensive. I would do it just like the above picture with the 1/2 on the bottom and underground for the apron

It would keep out most, the HC on bottom will deter raccoon 'reach thru' and keep chicks inside. Would be fine for most daytime preds, but lock them in coop at night.

No need to really bury apron:
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[mpoland33]

It would keep out most, the HC on bottom will deter raccoon 'reach thru' and keep chicks inside. Would be fine for most daytime preds, but lock them in coop at night.

No need to really bury apron:
Good examples of apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

Thanks. So if I went away for a weekend and wanted to leave the coop door open them you would not recommend 2x3?

I would probably bury the apron anyway. I don't want the kids tripping all over that

 

[aart]

Thanks. So if I went away for a weekend and wanted to leave the coop door open them you would not recommend 2x3?

I would probably bury the apron anyway. I don't want the kids tripping all over that

No, I would not recommend it...even HC isn't invincible when a hungry creature has lots of time to figure out and work at how to get in. HC can tear fairly easily, especially the 1/4", if a critter can get a tooth into it.
Why's it important to attach the HC well, and have no bulges/wrinkles/edges exposed.

Apron only needs to be buried an inch or so if good and flat, especially if grass grows there. I have mine right over the grass(after mowing to close to 'scalp' height), pinned it down well and the grass grew up thru it and holds it in place, I can mow right over it except a few places where it was not flat enough.

 

[jreardon1918]

My run is 8 x 8. The studs are 2’ on center. I bought 2’ x 100 rolls of hockey. Went vertical. Started at top an went 6” below grade and two feet as an apron. Was a lot of cutting but is pretty secure. There are pictures in my coop build. See profile.

 

[Birdinhand]

AART the chicken juggler has "nailed it", IMHO. HWC is the material that you pay for once and it keeps paying you back, well into the future. I go vertical, space studs at about 46 inch centers, use a screw and washer as a turnbuckle to make the hardware cloth tight and use largish gauge fencing "U" nails to fasten it to the studs. I go up and over the frame and down the other side, treating the stud spaces like panels. a skirt is a must. if you keep the wood off the ground and give the roof a good 10" eve, you will keep the rain off the wood and probably won't find a need for pressure treated lumber.

It's so tempting to find a cheaper way to do it, but there really doesn't seem to be a more hassle free approach long term. the vast, vast majority of sad stories that are posted here with respect to predator attacks would not happen if people went with decent gauge hardware cloth and made an impervious envelope. the heartache and headache just aren't worth the savings long term, IMHO.

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Miller-M...38817&wl11=online&wl12=16454250&wl13=&veh=sem

These clips


https://m.acehardware.com/product/i...MIrcDMjtav2QIVDJJ-Ch26Gww5EAQYBCABEgKGDvD_BwE

These pliers

They work very well on 1/2 inch hardware cloth if you need to join 2 pieces.