What style of fence should we use for our run?

[Nick225]

We are new to raising chickens. I am working on my coop design and will be fencing an area for the run. What would you suggest for the fencing material? I was thinking of 4x2 farm fence.

 

[BYCforlife]

Hello!

! Personally, I prefer 1" chicken wire.

When you say 4x2 farm fence, do you mean the size of the holes in inches? That might be fine, but leaves more room for predators to get into your run.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Nick225

Welcome!

Sorry, I am not familiar with 4x2 farm fence and that could be because I am in Aus. However, I have read multiple times on BYC that hardware cloth is recommended. While it may be more expensive than chicken wire, chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in but is not effective at keeping predators out.

You might want to post on the Predators & Pest Forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/13/predators-and-pests

Or catch up with the folks on your State thread who would also be familiar with your specific predator risk: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

Good luck!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

1/2" hardware cloth securely affixed to a frame is the Gold Standard of fencing material. Costs more, lasts, longer, keeps raccoons from reaching through the mesh to bite off any chicken parts they can reach, etc.

 

[Nick225]

Thank you for all your resonses. Look like hardware cloth is it.

 

[Wandercreek]

... chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in but is not effective at keeping predators out.

X2

Although, I am not a fan of hardware cloth alone. I actually prefer 2x4 horse fencing (with a low wrap of hardware cloth if needed.)