What to cover run with for predator protection

[aart]

@aart what did you use for your supports on the run?
Thanks, Sharon

Tposts, electrical conduit, and DIY connectors.
More info here:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/aarts-coop-page

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I got excited when I saw this because I want some for my run (and clear for the garden box) and at my store they are $21! Boo! That's a huge price difference.

Check Lowes stores all around you. I just got 12' smoke ones for $8.

 

[PirateGirl]

Check Lowes stores all around you. I just got 12' smoke ones for $8.

Hahahah... there's only one store within an hour drive. I will keep an eye out on my travels though

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I drove an hour to get those. Not sure but would have likely been worth going much farther, such a great deal.

 

[pennyJo1960]

This is what I picked from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Choice-...id=1516831468&sr=8-5&keywords=chicken+netting

 

[OzarkF&G]

Chicken wire has never failed me. Id actually really like to know if its the hardware cloth manufactures that sell chicken wire down the river. Mine is on with 1.5 inch staples . I challenge any grown man to pull it off much less a predator. Do what you like though, its your money in the end.

 

[aart]

Chicken wire has never failed me. Id actually really like to know if its the hardware cloth manufactures that sell chicken wire down the river. Mine is on with 1.5 inch staples . I challenge any grown man to pull it off much less a predator. Do what you like though, its your money in the end.

Preds usually chew thru it.......have seen way more failed chicken wire than HC here.

 

[blackdog043]

Hahahah... there's only one store within an hour drive. I will keep an eye out on my travels though

Wow, I have 15 within an hour drive and 12 of those are only 45 mins, I guess we're overpopulated with Lowes, HAHA

 

[PirateGirl]

Really depends the types of predators that are common in your area and then weigh risk vs. cost.

I opted for 2"x4" welded wire. I like to think it's strong enough that the large predators won't get in and small enough openings to keep hawks out.

Also the amount of space you need to fence in for your number of birds.

There are plenty of people that free range their flocks all day. I figure the birds in my enclosed run have some level of safety even if I can't stop every foreseeable attack. A bear could tear the roof off the coop overnight. Bears break into cars and houses with ease, so yeah, short of a concrete bunker, I have to accept there is some risk with any chicken coop/run design.

 

[AmazingRachel]

1/4 in. hardware cloth on mine and where there are any openings. My run stands on two layers of cinder block and I also put hardware cloth on the ground in the run and then covered it with 2 in. of large sized gravel and then 4-5 in. of dirt.
Nothing is getting in there.