What size wire to use for the bottom of the run?

[sally4500]

Hi everyone,
We are refurbishing our old coop after 8 years of being chickenless. A "fisher cat" wiped out our 3 ten year old girls back then. So we want to make this new run with a wire bottom placed flat underneath the dirt the whole length of the run. It is 8X10. It is the only way I will feel at ease, knowing nothing can dig underneath.

So, what size wire do I need? Should it be 1" hardware cloth? Or 2"X4" wire? Or 1" chicken wire? Does it matter as long as it's galvanized?

I want to put it in tomorrow, so want to make sure I am using the right wire, because once it is in, I sure don't want to dig it back out again!

Thanks, Sally

 

[CatsvsDogs]

do you have hardware cloth buried around the outside of the coop? I know some people use wire for the base of their runs but I feel my chickens may not be as happy with it. Personally I would start the predator proofing with burying wire and making sure your coop is secure and your ladies are always tucked in for the night.

 

[elmo]

Chicken wire isn't good for keeping predators out. I use a hardware cloth apron extended outwards from the base of my run, tacked down with landscaping staples.