Will it be safe to attach hardware cloth on the inside in sections?

[wmcdow]

I see a lot of people wrap their hardware and poultry cloth around the entire run. Here's a picture of my run: http://imgur.com/MisM8mZ and I'm about to attach hardware cloth. I want it to be aesthetically pleasing and not bow in and out from the attached 2x4. I'm thinking about attaching it from the inside on the bottom of the 2x4 running across and the sides of the 4x4. Will this be safe enough to keep predators out if attached on the inside?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! There can't be any gaps bigger than 1/2" diameter anywhere, and attachments need to be SOLID. I used 3/4" fencing staples, covered with wood strips screwed in. Serious fasteners for serious predators. Dogs and raccoons are STRONG! Also, you need an apron of hardware cloth or a solid base to keep out diggers. Chicken wire is a waste of money if you can do better. Mary

 

[yyz0yyz0]

As Folly mentioned, secure fasteners are your friend. I suspect that an animal will "push" harder on fencing then they will pull on the same fencing. Think about a stuck door in your house, it's much easier to open it by pushing against the stuck door then it is to pull the stuck door open.

If you are referring to an apron, I would definitely go with an outside apron. If an animal tried to dig at the fence and hit the apron they might move left or right but few will think to back up and get clear of the apron. If the apron is on the inside, the animal knows he needs to to dig under what's in front of them. So they start digging and get under the fence and as they try to come up they hit the apron, they just keep diggin till they are clear of the apron and they're in.

 

[Chickenshoe]

running hardware cloth on the inside is best, remember to burry it 1 foot down, diggers will hit it and likely bag it. I am using 1 inch galvanized 19 guage narrow crown staples shot in with an air stapler to secure my 1/2 inch cloth.. ....same used inside the coop inside edge of windows... costly? yes, worth it, yes...do it right and you wont loose your investment. the girls..