wire 101???

[equusvilla]

Need to know exactly what kind of fencing I need for the outside turnout. I know the process of putting it 6" under ground ..just want to make sure I get the right stuff when I go shopping today after work!

Also - if you know - how much and how large is it??

TIA!!!

 

[equusvilla]

Someone please explain to me what this mesh cloth is... How is it better or different from other products?

 

[SED]

Mesh cloth has either 1/4" or 1/2" spacing between the wires. If this is for an outside run, I, personally would not use it becasue it can get very expensive. I would probably use 2"X4" welded wire that is 6' tall and bury it 6" in the ground. It will be the most cost effective, at least here in Alabama it is.

 

[babsbag]

Wow, there are probably as many suggestions as there are people. The smaller the opening in the wire the better. And the thicker the wire, the better, so no chicken wire. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but does keep predators out.

If you are asking about hardware cloth, it is basically just wire with about a 1/4-3/8 weave. They use it quiet often for eave and foundation vent covers. You can buy it at most any hardware store. But it won't be cheap. The advantage is that it is tough and small, so no paws can get through it.

You can use chainlink, but it is easily climbed, and critters can get their paws through it. It your run has a top on it then clilmbing is not an issue, and you could use chain link or no climb wire and put a smaller guage wire around the bottom 2 feet or so. That way raccoons, etc will have a hard time reaching their paws through it. If you use a welded type wire that an animal can get a paw in they can then work at it and sometimes break the weld on the wire and come on in. Do you understand the difference between welded wire and field fencing type wire? Most feed stores can show you the difference. Again, price plays a big roll in choices.

Personally, I have used the plastic chicken wire looking mesh over field fencing. I also have it inside my goat pasture and both the run and the pasture have an electric fence around it, so that helps a little. I am planning a cement floor soon. That way no one can dig under. I am also planning on replacing my plastic mesh with hardware cloth or rabbit cage type wire as the budget allows.

Feed stores usually have the best selection of wire. Hope that helps.

 

[rancher hicks]

The fact is....... it depends on where you live and how you intend to keep your chickens. I personally have a run of poultry wire. All windows are covered with screening and hardware cloth. 1/2" I have 1/2" hardware clotht covering the sofit of my coop. I let my chickens roam/range in a 4' chain link fenced in yard 50/100. I have 6' stockade fencing on one side.
I put them away each night and lock the doors.

It also depends on how many and what predators are nearby.
It also depends on your individual set up and how many chickens you have.

 

[Humhill]

Quote:

You're definately a horse person. I referred to the chicken runs one time as the "pasture."

I would do the 2" x 4" welded wire also. Then, instead of burying, I'd do an apron. But that's personal preference, there are many threads on here about apron vs. bury.

 

[equusvilla]

Thanks guys - on my way to do the last (yeah right...

) shopping for this project!

 

[nanawendy]

Good luck ... take pics. and post if you please. I just got back from Home Depot for hardware cloth and am going to a friends for found wood. This is for our "renovation" or extension... I'm excited.