What to use instead of "chicken wire?"

[joshchickens]

Hey i put down chain link fencing first than around that i put chicken wire. on the top i put chicken wire it keeps out everything lol.
the only problem with using chain link fencing is it cost ALOTT but it will keep out uninvited critters

 

[tvtaber]

We use the 2x3 yard fence as well. It is easy to work with since it is soft enough to mold around corners but not as soft as chicken wire. You can get the green metal stakes that are designed to hold the fence, which we buried several inches in concrete. We also buried the bottom of the fence in a 6 inch trench with concrete in the bottom about 6 inches wide.

When the hens were small they would go right through this fencing, but by the time they were 5 weeks it worked well. We also put deer netting over the top to keep the hawks out, and of course a wooden door to get in the pen.

Having said all this, we still put them in the coop and close the door at night.

 

[emen8]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The hardware store had 2x4 14 gauge welded wire fencing. It was only $30 for 3' x 50'. I'm going to use screws & washers to attach it to the frame on top of the chicken wire. That should be strong enough to keep out foxes and raccoons, and since the chicken wire is 2x2, the openings should be small enough to keep out predators. I buried about 8 inches of chicken wire in the ground around the edges.

I was hoping to not have to lock the girls inside each night because they prefer to be outside, but whatever it takes to keep them safe.

 

[ml]

I got tired of soem thing digging into my out side run so, bought 1/2 inch 14 guage wire and nailed it to the wood frame on the whole bottom of my run and covered with sawdust. Bingo nothing dug in again. So much the burried wire on the out side. I have sand as ground so it was just too easy for something to dig it's way in. So now all my outsides runs are totally wired top bottom and sides.

They are in at night safe and I can sleep.

ML

 

[emen8]

Quote:
That would be easier than digging a trench around the outside, but I think I read or heard somewhere that putting wire on the bottom would hurt the chickens' feet when they scratched around. Have you had any problems like that? Do you scatter feed or scratch in the sawdust? I guess nothing grows there now, right?

 

[peeps7]

I put up garden wire like you were talking about and I haven't lost a chicken.

 

[JudyMcKinn]

I have deer netting over the top of my pen for hawks, and thought I really had things secure on my large pen. In addition I lock them in at night. But in the evening before dark, a couple weeks ago, a racoon, apparently, climbed up a post and tore thru the deer netting and got one of my half grown Silver laced Wyandottes. Ate everything but the yellow feet and a few feathers. Two nites later he did the same thing again at another post, and got one of my silkies in the next pen over. I have 3 pens in a row, each about 15 ft by 25 ft, with a coop in each. So I got a roll of 2 ft wide chicken wire and nailed it along the top of the 2 X 6's that are around the top of my pen, and let the 2 ft wide wire lay over the deer netting. Nothing has gotten in since. He might still be able to get in, but he sure won't be able to tear out again, from climbing up a post and tearing out of the chicken wire. And I put out some Golden Marlin fly bait mixed with peach pealings, under the edge of a nearby shed where our outside cats go, and they were afraid to go under, so I thought he was probably there. A couple days later, cats are still fine,but a terrible stink coming from under the shed, so I think I got him!! But I was surprised the deer netting over the top let in a racoon. I thought they wouldn't try the wobbly netting, but I was wrong.

 

[ml]

emen8 It is a totally inclosed run with a roof and wire side and floor. I am not real fond of scratch and they eat out of food bowls. the wire is totally covered with up to 4 inches of sawdust. I over laided the wire a good 6 inches to keep it tight.

Also laid it short ways across the 6 foot wide run. It is 12 feet long and could not figure on how to secure it properly running the long ways.

Basically my runs are a wire cage with 1/2 inch welded wire with wood frames.

I let them out during the day to free range and back in at night to sleep.

I added one that was like 16 feet by 6 with another leg of 4 by 6 to the front of the coop. This way the coop door could be open all night and safe and cooler.

Most of the preds have incountered were at night . I do have a falcon that keeps me on my toes during the day.

I also keep a radio playing 24/7 on hard rock for my free range peeps. It has kept many a broodie safe and chicks. I dont recommend them sleeping out side near the radio but it has worked.

Most attacks and deaths seem to be at night with a way for a predator to get in.

Most of my flock goes in lock down at night.

ML

 

[edster951]

We have no problems at all with predators.

Ours free range during the day and thier coop is left open at night. We're right on the edge of town, and have had no worries at all.

US sounds like a dangerous place to rear chickens....

Eddie

(better cross my fingers now I've said that)