run wire question again!

[nelgkel]

live in Central FL

predators and pest~ hawks, owls, snakes, squirrels, rats, mice, possums, racoons, armadillos


we will have coop and run inside our back yard surrounded by chain link fencing...


run will have stucco lath apron @14-18 inches, then stucco lath(just like 1/2" hardware cloth but WAY cheaper) up about 36 inches, then from 3 foot to 6 foot will be 2"by3" welded wire, top of run will be bird netting under the 2"by 3" welded wire to prevent birds and such from coming in...


QUESTION...can squirrels and such get in this??

ANY experience with this setup??

ADVICE??

I have changed my plans before, after getting input from BYC!! Love this group!

THANKS YA'LL


Kelly in FL

 

[Karen_at_LittleBrook]

What the heck is stucco lath? And u say its just like hardware mesh but cheaper!? I hafta look into that!

 

[elmo]

I think a 2" by 3" opening would be large enough for a squirrel to get into, plus wild birds will also easily get in. You could have a problem with critters like that eating your chicken feed. I have no experience with snakes, but I've read that snakes can sometimes get into runs and coops and eat eggs and chicks.

 

[SillyChicken]

They're referring to expanded metal lath. It can be found in the cement isles in the big box stores... It can be sharp so be careful when handeling.

 

[teach1rusl]

I'd say the squirrels could get into anything 2 x 2" or bigger if they want to. They won't do anything except possibly eat the chicken feed. But if you're in an area where the squirrels are fat and happy already (plenty of natural food supply), then you probably won't have to deal with them.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Is that lath galvanized, like fencing is? That would be my only concern with it.

 

[nsanywhere]

yes, squirrels can get in - I watch them go in and out of my guinea pen every day! They won't hurt anyone, but they will snarf all the food. Same with the wild birds, chipmunks, rats, mice, and anything else small enough to squeeze through for an easy meal of feed and scratch.

Also, predators can chew through the netting. I had a baby skunk crawl up the side the of the coop, chew the netting, and drop in for a little snack! Luckily I heard the squawking in time and was able to get it out before losing anyone (or getting sprayed!). Switched to a 1" wire roof the next day.

 

[Schroeder]

If you have weasels or minks they will get in.

Edit: Oh, I just saw you live in Florida. Maybe they aren't a problem in the South.

 

[nelgkel]

when we bought the lath it says it is galvanized....if I have to I will paint it!
We got our baby chicks Saturday!! the are in a brooder in the house until we finish th coop..we got 4 red sex links, 2 RIR, 1 Barred Rock, 3 Black Australorps, 2 Silver laced Wyandottes...