Would like some advise on chicken coop and run

[Waldorbigbill]

Hi this is my first post on this site. I have taken the plunge and purchased 13 baby chicks. I want to take the shed I have and convert it in to a coop. The shed is pretty tight so I'm not worried about anything getting inside I want to have a door way leading into a dog pen that was given to me. We are going to cover this cage up with wire to protect them from above. My question is Everywhere i read says you should use 1/2 wire for your pen.Should I take the dog cage I have gotten and run this 1/2 wire half way up the cage so no animals can reach in at the chickens on the ground or should I just not worry about since the chickens will be away at night? Any advise will help. and is there anything else I should be Leary of I'm in NJ
Thanks

 

[emys]

You should run the half inch wire at least 2 feet up the sides of the run to keep the chickens from sticking their heads out and getting them bitten off by stray dogs and or late or early prowling racoons. Then attach another 2 feet of half inch wire around the perimeter of the run to keep anything from digging under.

 

[GiddyMoon]

ANd check out "aprons" in search, I posted about it today asking for pictures. It is a great way to put wire on the ground along the edges so nothing can dig in.

 

[Waldorbigbill]

I'm now sure what you mean two feet around prim. Shuld I dig it 2 feet in the ground?

 

[emys]

Yes, I meant an apron around the perimeter. I think it is more effective if buried - If your soil is already disturbed and it isn't too hard, then go ahead and bury it at an angle with the outer edge 10 to 12 inches down and the other end connected to run at ground level. I have seen many people do not bury it and just let grass grow through it to anchor it and/or use landscaping pins to hold it down. Others on here have buried it straight down a foot or more...don't know that that is any more effective than using the angled method.

 

[Waldorbigbill]

Thank You I will do that.