Size of wire for duck run?

[Stanui]

How big should the wire be on the duck pen that I'm having built? Should it be 1" or bigger, or smaller? I have no clue here! Thanks!

 

[sweetie54]

well i used chicken wire for mine!

 

[headred]

I use what I call horse fencing. Opening is about 2" x 4" which is fine once they are 6 weeks plus. I put chicken wire around the bottom when they were younger because they can get out of that wire when they are little.

 

[ShadyGlade]

It kind of depends on the size of your ducks & whether or not you'll be keep young ducks there as well or only adults. For adult med & large size ducks I use 2x4 welded wire at least 4 foot high. For bantam & young ducklings I use either fencing made to keep rabbits out of gardens (smaller spaced at bottom) or chicken wire again at least four foot tall. For call ducks we use the hard ware cloth. I no longer let small ducklings have access to wire as years ago I lost two who squeezed their heads through it then hung to death before we found them. I hope this helps.

 

[JStark]

I'll be building mine with aviary netting (1/2") because we have big rats, and I want to keep them away from eggs and ducks. Consider what might get in as well as out!

 

[CityChicker]

I use several different types of wire. I have used chain link in the past, 1 x 2 GAW wire, and 2x 4 wire. I know Holderread's have said they prefer not to use the 2 x 4, but I haven't had a problem myself (knock on wood).

I love the 1 x 2 welded wire. The drawback is it is more expensive and is more difficult to find than some of the other sizes. I love that it is so sturdy that you don't even need a frame for it. You can make cages just out of the wire and cage clips/rings.

 

[Giddyup]

To keep them in or predators out? If for predators I would use 1/2 inch wire of any kind. We have rats and small mink that could easily squeeze through a 1 inch opening. They can chew through chicken wire...but at least it is a deterrent. (but so are our dogs during the day and they are in the coop at night)