Go with the hardware cloth. It will keep most snakes out. You don’t really know what predators you have until the aroma of meaty chickens is in the air.Thanks for the input and info. I would feel safe in a tent or hammock, but that doesn't really answer the question. We don't have many large predators like bears in the immediate area (knocking again). I wouldn't put chicken wire anywhere close to where they would roost, but do wonder if I could wrap the small run with it. I have hardware cloth around their " playpen" but that seems like overkill with the chainlink for the run. I know that in general, chicken wire is only to keep chickens in or out of certain areas, but with the chainlink it seems like bigger predators couldn't break in. Might be wishful thinking though....