Hi Carla
Our thinking on the wire fencing was that we didn't want to use chicken wire anywhere (although we did use it to extend underground), and definitely wanted the hardware cloth on the lower portion so coons couldn't reach through. But even if a coon could climb up to the 2x4 wire area, the chickens were on the ground so he couldn't reach them. I suppose if we had some small, thin predator (like weasel or something?) I might have used smaller guage up top. But also, we lock them securely in the indoor portion at night, so really we're talking about daytime preds only. I like the visibility offered by the larger wire (it's hard to see through the hardware cloth) and we wanted to watch the girls, so that also affected our decision. The 2X4 wire fencing we used up top is quite strong (unlike chicken wire) so it's really only an issue of preds reaching though.
AS of now, I'm happy with the choice. The only critter I have ever seen in the run is a chipmunk, and I'm OK with that. The only pred I have seen is hawks, and they can't get in. I'm quite happy with the structure. it's sturdy, and the roof is working GREAT. In a perfect world, the run would be bigger. Once our girls got a taste of ranging in the yard, they weren't content in the 11 x 6 run: they cry to get out whenever they see me.
The interior is also working well, although the white paint is looking dirty. How do they splash poop on the walls and even the ceiling?!?!?!?!?! It gets VERY dusty and every week or so I have to sweep all the surfaces with a dust broom, Certainly raw wood would not show the dust and dirt as much, but it's pretty dark in the garage and I wanted the reflected light. I also installed a window in the exterior garage door opposite the coop door to let in more light.
Thanks for the compliments and good luck with your coop!!! If it matters, I'd estimate we spent about $350, even with using a whole bunch of salvaged/recylcled materials. Don't tell my DH!
Stacey
Our thinking on the wire fencing was that we didn't want to use chicken wire anywhere (although we did use it to extend underground), and definitely wanted the hardware cloth on the lower portion so coons couldn't reach through. But even if a coon could climb up to the 2x4 wire area, the chickens were on the ground so he couldn't reach them. I suppose if we had some small, thin predator (like weasel or something?) I might have used smaller guage up top. But also, we lock them securely in the indoor portion at night, so really we're talking about daytime preds only. I like the visibility offered by the larger wire (it's hard to see through the hardware cloth) and we wanted to watch the girls, so that also affected our decision. The 2X4 wire fencing we used up top is quite strong (unlike chicken wire) so it's really only an issue of preds reaching though.
AS of now, I'm happy with the choice. The only critter I have ever seen in the run is a chipmunk, and I'm OK with that. The only pred I have seen is hawks, and they can't get in. I'm quite happy with the structure. it's sturdy, and the roof is working GREAT. In a perfect world, the run would be bigger. Once our girls got a taste of ranging in the yard, they weren't content in the 11 x 6 run: they cry to get out whenever they see me.
The interior is also working well, although the white paint is looking dirty. How do they splash poop on the walls and even the ceiling?!?!?!?!?! It gets VERY dusty and every week or so I have to sweep all the surfaces with a dust broom, Certainly raw wood would not show the dust and dirt as much, but it's pretty dark in the garage and I wanted the reflected light. I also installed a window in the exterior garage door opposite the coop door to let in more light.
Thanks for the compliments and good luck with your coop!!! If it matters, I'd estimate we spent about $350, even with using a whole bunch of salvaged/recylcled materials. Don't tell my DH!
Stacey
