Tractor Fencing: Where to sign up for Fencing 101?

[Keel]

I've studied on the options for "wiring" my tractor for a day or two now, and concluded the following:

1) A day or two is not sufficient to learn the ins and outs of chicken wire, hardware cloth, welded wire, etc. for an individual with no prior knowledge of same.

2) Raccoons, possums, fox,weasels and other evil vermin scum are crafty.

3) byc members have varying ideas on what is best, much like the general populace with any subject.

My Scotch-Irish ancestry forbids me from opening up my wallet enough to clothe my tractor in hardware cloth 100%. So I'm wondering if a combination of welded wire fencing over chicken wire would be less offensive to said ancestry, or if anyone would suggest another combination of products.

Briefly, my tractor is based on the "On Golden Coop" design on this site. It will have a 10-12 foot overall length, be 4 ft wide and the run will be 30" high.

I've learned (or think I've learned) that 1/2" x 1/2" is the largest recommended hardware cloth. If I should lay 2"x4" welded wire on top of chicken wire (two-thick, one over the other), will I have a run that is as secure as if it only had 1/2" hardware cloth? Should the costs indeed be less than that of 1/2" hardware cloth?

Lowes stores in my area list a steel hardware cloth that is vinyl coated. It appears this is actually 2" x 3" welded wire. Is this product to be avoided if I did the aforementioned double layering? http://www.lowes.com/pd_92254-16418...l=1&currentURL=?Ntt=hardware+cloth&facetInfo=

Thanks for entertaining my notion and for your replies.

 

[4 the Birds]

I've studied on the options for "wiring" my tractor for a day or two now, and concluded the following:

1) A day or two is not sufficient to learn the ins and outs of chicken wire, hardware cloth, welded wire, etc. for an individual with no prior knowledge of same.

2) Raccoons, possums, fox,weasels and other evil vermin scum are crafty.

3) byc members have varying ideas on what is best, much like the general populace with any subject.

My Scotch-Irish ancestry forbids me from opening up my wallet enough to clothe my tractor in hardware cloth 100%. So I'm wondering if a combination of welded wire fencing over chicken wire would be less offensive to said ancestry, or if anyone would suggest another combination of products.

Briefly, my tractor is based on the "On Golden Coop" design on this site. It will have a 10-12 foot overall length, be 4 ft wide and the run will be 30" high.

I've learned (or think I've learned) that 1/2" x 1/2" is the largest recommended hardware cloth. If I should lay 2"x4" welded wire on top of chicken wire (two-thick, one over the other), will I have a run that is as secure as if it only had 1/2" hardware cloth? Should the costs indeed be less than that of 1/2" hardware cloth?

Lowes stores in my area list a steel hardware cloth that is vinyl coated. It appears this is actually 2" x 3" welded wire. Is this product to be avoided if I did the aforementioned double layering? http://www.lowes.com/pd_92254-16418...l=1&currentURL=?Ntt=hardware+cloth&facetInfo=

Thanks for entertaining my notion and for your replies.

Using 2x4 welded wire along with chicken wire may work fine but the hardware cloth would be a little more secure but cost you a little more. Another advantage of hardware cloth is that the openings are small enough to keep sparrows or mice out. I use 2x4 woven wire along with chicken wire and sparrows squeeze through and eat a lot of feed during the Winter months (I have to use the heavy duty woven wire fencing since the coop and run and within a goat pen) I would recommend using hardware cloth but if you are wanting to save pennies then use chicken wire over welded wire.

 

[aart]

Agrees 1/2" hardware cloth would be best for the reasons stated...I got the best price at my local Ace hardware.

I wouldn't buy vinyl coated, it costs more and can actually rust out faster (when, not if, the vinyl cracks and holds moisture against the steel) than good old GAW.