size of chicken wire

[shellshiznit]

Hi all,

Building my first run/coop and was wondering if I should go with the 1" chicken wire or the 2". We do have skunks and racoons on our area, so not sure if the 2" is too large? I'm only asking cause the 2" is signifacantly cheaper, but want to do what's right.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[elmo]

I'd never use chicken wire for predator protection, of any size openings. It's just too flimsy.

Many people here use 16 gauge welded wire fencing with openings as large as 2" by 3", then wrap the bottom two or three feet of their pens with some material that will inhibit reach through predation.

Others use hardware cloth with 1/2" by 1/2" openings for their whole fence.

 

[CityChook]

from MN -

I'd buck up and spend the money on the hardware wire. Chicken wire, much less CHEAP chicken wire will not keep the preds away from your hens. Elmo's advice is excellent.

 

[QuackerOats]

Yeah, go for hardware cloth. I would recommend the 1/2" spacing. That way, predators can't reach their paws/beaks inside the run or coop windows. They can't tear through it either!

 

[edselpdx]

Chicken wire of any size keeps chickens in, but won't keep predators out.

 

[Matt A NC]

A coon can pull chicken wire apart like it was plastic netting. For keeping out coon-skunk size predators I would use chicken wire and cover with heavy welded wire that has 2"x4" holes. The chicken wire keeps the chickens from sticking their heads out for the dogs to get and the welded wire it strong.

This has worked for several of the local folks that live out in the woods. Welded wire + chicken wire was alot cheaper for them then doing a Lot with hardware cloth.

Matt

 

[kasey08]

is the chicken wire ok for the top of the run?

 

[BigBadCryBaby]

Quote:
No for the very same reason. It doesn't keep predators out. A determined raccoon will bust right through.

 

[kasey08]

well looks like i just wasted money

 

[babyblue]

we have chicken wire layered with chain link. it works very well. it would be solid hardware cloth if we could afford it, but the chainlink and chicken wire was free.