What type of hardware cloth for run?

[Devorah]

I plan on reinforcing the run/coop I inherited by installing 1/4 “ hardware cloth around the run (it already has chicken wire, but definitely needs something stronger with smaller holes). What gauge hardware cloth would you recommend?

 

[Battlepants]

Kinda depends on what you are up against. What are you trying to keep out of your run?

 

[Devorah]

Kinda depends on what you are up against. What are you trying to keep out of your run?

Good question. We moved into this rural property about a half a year ago and only have a rough idea of predators from a neighbor. There are fisher cats, raccoons, owls, hawks, weasels, foxes, bear and coyotes …

 

[raingarden]

Half-inch hardware cloth will do for just about everything except cock roaches. I didn't know it came in different gauges. The thickness and quality of the galvanizing does vary by price and manufacturer.

 

[Battlepants]

I would probably go with a welded wire fence for fighting back the bigger stuff and just making sure that the chicken wire goes a bit into the ground to combat the burrowers (making a "skirt" around the area underground). Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to physically hold back a hungry bear, but motion sensor lights might spook them off.

 

[Devorah]

I would probably go with a welded wire fence for fighting back the bigger stuff and just making sure that the chicken wire goes a bit into the ground to combat the burrowers (making a "skirt" around the area underground). Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to physically hold back a hungry bear, but motion sensor lights might spook them off.

Thanks! The motion sensor lights are already on the list as well as a scarecrow in a smelly shirt and Mick Jagger streaming.

Half-inch hardware cloth will do for just about everything except cock roaches. I didn't know it came in different gauges. The thickness and quality of the galvanizing does vary by price and manufacturer.

Thanks! I appreciate your answer!

 

[Liveove]

I plan on reinforcing the run/coop I inherited by installing 1/4 “ hardware cloth around the run (it already has chicken wire, but definitely needs something stronger with smaller holes). What gauge hardware cloth would you recommend?

I use and love 1/2in x 1/2in hardware cloth. Get loads of predators here too and it's what has worked.

 

[Battlepants]

scarecrow in a smelly shirt and Mick Jagger streaming

Attach that to an automatic pulley system and you got something that will scare off anything in the woods AND neighborhood kids!

 

[Devorah]

I use and love 1/2in x 1/2in hardware cloth. Get loads of predators here too and it's what has worked.

Thanks. Have you built in a skirt with the hardware cloth?

 

[Liveove]

Thanks. Have you built in a skirt with the hardware cloth?

I have in the past, but the coop I am using now is built on a cement slab.