Size of Fence Openings

[cjham9985]

Hi everyone!

Just building my run this weekend and my question is what is the largest size opening in your fencing material that you should use? I'm looking at some chicken wire with a 1 inch hexagonal opening, but the material seems flimsy. Similarly priced, i could get a welded wire fence roll which seems much sturdier, but the openings are 2x2. So how big of a hole should i use? I'm obviously worried about critters coming in, but also, chicks getting out (we got our first chickens at 20 weeks, but forsee chicks in the future). Thoughts would be appreciated as i might pick up the fencing on my way home from work tonight.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[teach1rusl]

Go with the welded wire!!!!! You're exactly right - chicken wire is very flimsy!!! Great for containing chickens, but not great for keeping anything stronger than a chicken out.
I use the 2x4 welded wire (with smaller meshed wire around the bottom 24" of run wall to prevent reach-ins), and have never had an issue with predators, although we don't have weasels and such around here (because something that small could get in I'm sure). I'd love to have the 2x2 wire, but I haven't seen it in our area.

 

[stubbornhill]

cjham, congrats on your new setup! Most people use what is called "hardware wire". You can find it at most hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

 

[wattsjadajoe]

Quote:
Are you talking about hardware cloth on the lower 24"? Or do you consider the entire fence in hardware cloth? I plan on fencing about 7 acres at first, so I plan on using the welded wire with the cloth at the lopwer 24". Does this seem like a good plan?
At my last life in Illinois I had a pen, no room for free ranging, so the entire pen was like my rabbit cages...hardware cloth.

Joe

 

[cjham9985]

My run is going to be 6x16 due to the area i have. I do live near our downtown (about 1.5 blocks from the town green) so i dont think that i'll have TOO many predators. So i'm thinking the chickenwire just due to keeping the cost down and the wife happy. But i didnt know if anyone had any horror stories or real drawbacks to the chickenwire.

 

[stubbornhill]

Wow Joe! Fencing in 7 acres. With that being said, "No" to the hardware cloth for the entire thing. That would cost you a small fortune! Some people use it for their entire enclosed runs while others use it as you have stated for the bottom. I would say if it is in your budget to skirt the 7 acres with hardware wire and do the rest in welded wire, then yes, that is the way to go. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful set up!!

 

[wattsjadajoe]

Quote:
I never did do things half way! I will post pics when I get things closer to operational. I have found, through the course of live, that a little planning will help 10 fold in the final operation of things.