Should I Use Hardware Cloth For Entire Run??

[thomasboyle]

What I was originally thinking was doing 1/2" HC on the lower HALF of the fence, burying a foot of it around the edge but skirting it out slightly. It would still be buried. So then the lower 3' of the fence (4' minus 1' buried foot) would be HC, and the upper 4' would be 2"x4" welded wire. BUT if I can get the HC for the SAME price as the Welded Wire, should I just do all the fencing in HC ?? Is it better to do it one way or the other, really?

I have been considering my options for the top (roofing, or whatever you'd call it) for my run. I'm not sure if it needs to be as sturdy to ward against birds of prey. I might look for a cheaper poultry netting for that. I do have to consider snow. It is a very good point. I live in central Illinois and winters can vary greatly.

Snow will collect on chicken wire roofs, and can collapse the coop - happened to me 3 times in 2011-2012. A larger wire for the roof will keep out hawks and other large birds, but raccoons can fit into very small openings, and they will climb the hardware wire sides and enter through any opening they can find. Sounds like you are looking for protection for the birds, and peace of mind for yourself, so that means taking extra steps to defeat whatever predator nature throws at you! Good luck, and post pictures when you can.

 

[Timskins]

Where did you find hardware cloth online for cheap?