Type of wire for chicken run????

[sms1225]

I just completed my chicken coop, and I am constructing my run. It is aprox 20' x 30'. I have used treated 4x4 posts and now I would like to install the proper type of wire on walls and I also would like to know what works best for netting for the top of the run?

 

[Sagechick]

I have a question to add to this. Did you bury the chicken wire below ground?

 

[SterlingAcres]

I'm not sure what everyone else is using, but since we're moving into the 'woods', we plan to use welded wire for the whole run, including the roof. Then we'll use hardware cloth doubled on the bottom and bury it a foot or two. It might get pricey, but I'd rather pay good money up front to ensure my birds are very safe.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[antiquebuff]

Because of predators we only use hardware cloth all over our run. We make an apron an bury it . We also use it on the tops of our runs. We have not lost a chick yet. It is expensive but its well worth it. We began making our runs lower to the ground to cut some expenses . This has its advantages and disadvantages. Good luck an post a photo when you finish!

 

[CarlaRiggs]

I found some galvanized 18 gauge stucco wire, with 1" hexagons. It looks exactly like chicken wire, but because of the thicker gauge of the wire (I'm guessing!) it's used for supporting stucco.
I'll bury it under ground to prevent predators from digging underneath the run. Much cheaper than welded hardware cloth, and just as sturdy.

Carla

 

[prariechiken]

Great examples above....your wire should reflect what you intend on keeping out since it takes very little to keep the birds in....good luck with your run!!!

 

[LynneP]

Be sure to consult the Predators and Pests section!

We're using 1/2" hardware cloth, and PalRUF PVC roofing over the run. Yes, we buried at least 1' wire all the way, 2' in some spots. No holes bigger than you could shove a hot dog through (without the bun!)

 

[Chirpy]

Everybody above is spot on.

Hardware cloth is always the best way to go for the entire run. However, it's very, very expensive and most people can't afford it.

Welded or woven wire is the next best option for the entire run and then use either hardware cloth or 1" chicken wire around the bottom 2 feet (installed on top of the welded wire) and burying it into the ground at least 15-18".

I would always use hardware cloth over all windows so that your hen house is very secure for night time predators.

We would love to see pictures!

 

[lovemychicks9]

We used 2 different types and sizes of wire, buried them a foot into the ground in cement and have had no problems yet. We used regular farm fence and them covered and overlaped on all edges with 1/2" hardware cloth and secured it every 6 inches. No chicken wire as I have heard it is too easy to get into with predators. Trudy

 

[sms1225]

Thanks for all you help with the wire ideas. I am trying to upload pics, but not sure how, to show you all my progress with my run and coop. Can anyone help, how do I copy the pics to my response??

thanks