Wiring the run?

[Chicken0Boy]

Could I use chicken wire for my run since it is cheeperor would it not be safe? Would hardware cloth be better or any other types of wire? Thanks for any help or pics to show me!

 

[medtec113]

here is a look at mine. I think the hardware cloth looks cleaner and neater. Also, if you get the smaller opening, snakes and rats and such cant get in.

 

[patandchickens]

CHickenwire works real well until a dog wants to get into your run. Then you have to buy new chickens.

Unless you want to count on dogs *perpetually* deciding to leave your chickens alone, it is really worth ponying up a little extra for something more secure. I like 1x1 welded wire with something smaller-mesh on the bottom 2-3', but another reasonable alternative if your chickens are always locked indoors by dusk is to use 2x4 welded wire with something smaller-mesh on the bottom 2-3'. Either way make sure you get galvanized and HEAVY GAUGE fencing.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[teach1rusl]

I use chicken wire to keep my chickens out of plants I want to protect; it's good for keeping chickens out of places you don't want them, or keeping them in places you do. But it won't keep stronger animals (predators) out. Hardware cloth is $$$, and my run is big, so REALLY $$$, so I went with 2 x 4 welded wire, with hardware cloth only along the bottom 24".

 

[noitulover]

we started out with just chicken wire in some places and 1" x 2" thick hardware cloth, which was just fine until a giant black snake got in the coop and killed 4-8 week old chicks... also, a raccoon/possum/something got in and took 3 hens, not a trace of them left, not even a feather...

we re-did the whole run in 1/4" thick hardware cloth and buried it a foot in the ground. and yes, it was more expensive, but no, we haven't had a single escapee or predator since...

i would highly recommend it, if your area is prone to predators, or if you are not home all day long to keep an eye or ear out for them.