Why not chicken wire?

[mdbokc]

Knock on wood, we have used chicken wire for years in the run and no problem....because the predators will be absolutely "electrified."
Hot wire/electric fence has stopped the big boys cold from approaching the run area. We heard a few screams in the night. That was the end of foreign paw prints around the coop and run. I am a big believer in electric fence.

Welded wire specifications say it is for "the temporary confinement of non-aggressive animals." (Home Depot) It may well be stronger than chicken wire but by how much. I certainly do not know. I might have used it too if I have found it before the chicken wire. Just saying, in the end, I am a firm believer in electric fence.

That said, ours are also in a secure coop each night.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Yup, I'd do welded wire around most of the run and then hardware cloth along the bottom 2 - 3 feet.

 

[GiddyMoon]

When we went to Lowes we found the 1x2 and the 2x3 welded wire was not much more than the chicken wire...we already have chainlink but around the bottom of the coop, this is what we will be using.

 

[woodmort]

Chicken wire is only useful for confining chickens, it is too easily breeched for it to withstand most determined predators.

 

[MeowCluckBark]

Thanks for this post. I am picking up material for my run tomorrow. I was offered some chicken wire for free and I won't turn that down, but I will make sure the bottom has hardware cloth and maybe find a good place to use the chicken wire. It's only a 25ft roll anyway.

 

[Arielle]

We use a 2 x 4 plastic coated 4 foot fencing. Because of the trees with in and a very large run area, covering the run is not practical. The run is located in the middle between other buildings and fencing, which reduces possible access by predators. I can't bury the fencing because the darn new england soil is so full of rocks. Thought I might place rocks around the perimeter to discourage digging.

So I count on my dogs, the perimeter fencing AND locking up everyone at night.

 

[VkyVky]

Thanks to all of you for your sage wisdom. I will show these to my beloved husband tonight and I am sure we will be building a very secure run! This forum is like having access to a great mentor.