Will 2x4 inch welded wire be sufficient ...

[jenn-]

For the apron of a run? The upper part will be 1/2" hardware cloth.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

You might be OK with that, but let me tell you what can get through it: rats and weasels. I have never had a raccoon get through it (but if it is used vertically they can pull them through- I have had hawks and owls pull chickens through 2 x 4 inch welded wire.

But as an apron you might be able to make it work- I don't know. I don't know if weasels will dig. Rats do dig but I don't know if an apron would stop them anyway.

Sorry I guess I really didn't have anything helpful to say.

 

[Titanpaul726]

That's what I use for my run. I haven't had any issues with it.

 

[jenn-]

You might be OK with that, but let me tell you what can get through it: rats and weasels. I have never had a raccoon get through it (but if it is used vertically they can pull them through- I have had hawks and owls pull chickens through 2 x 4 inch welded wire.

But as an apron you might be able to make it work- I don't know. I don't know if weasels will dig. Rats do dig but I don't know if an apron would stop them anyway.

Sorry I guess I really didn't have anything helpful to say.

Definitely not going to be using it upright. I've seen some scared chickens shove their heads straight out the 2x4 wholes of a run. My dogs would have a field day with that. I guess I just don't know how determined a digging animal will be if it hits the skirt under the ground.

That's what I use for my run. I haven't had any issues with it.

I'm glad you haven't had any issues with it in your run. It would not work for the above ground application here.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

You can use your 2 x 4 welded wire upright if you line the bottom of it with hardware cloth:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/robbdebbies-chicken-coop
4th pic from bottom

But this will require chickens to be closed up at night for their safety.