Used coop with chicken wire, will a second layer make it safe?

[CorralitosSunflower]

So we got a used chicken coop and it is wired in with chickenwire which I know is not predator proof. I was wondering if a second layer of chickenwire would make it safe? It seems like a pain in the butt to completely remove all the chickenwire and replace with hardware cloth, it would be much easier and cheaper to add a second layer of chickenwire. Any thoughts on this?

 

[emys]

Two wrongs don't make it ______. Seriously, why don't you just add hardware cloth over the chicken wire? I don't think you would have to remove it.

 

[patandchickens]

If you are going to put a second layer of something on (as opposed to removing and replacing the chickenwire) I would suggest making it something STRONG, that will keep predators from easily being able to rip large entrance holes in the chickenwire. I'd suggest HEAVY GAUGE wire mesh of whatever size you can afford, no larger than 2x4 mesh. The existing chickenwire will provide "some" protection vs reach-through. If it is a small coop, such that the chickens are likely to often be within raccoon reach of the wire, or if the wire is located near the roost, then that may not be enough reach-through-proofing... but if it is a full sized walk-in coop, with no mesh too near the roost, it'll probably be fine then.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat