ZIP TIES! What kind do you use?

[Seaecho]

We are ending up spending more than we ever dreamed, but if the 2x4" woven wire will help, I will surely get on ebay and see if I can find some. There is the galvanized cage in addition to the hardware cloth, but I'm sure you knew that.

 

[Seaecho]

Exactly what I thought, aart--if he really wanted those chickens, the hot wire might not even slow him down. He's a red zone dog that became completely in a trance, and seemed to feel nothing when attacking. I've never even heard him yelp once in his life!

 

[Folly's place]

I did forget about that galvanized cage, but, how strong is it? I'm still thinking about your very tough dog, and wondering if he can break into it. As a trial, would it make sense to put something wonderful in it (great food!) and see if he can break in? Before using it for birds?
You still may need that electric fencing!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

I adopted a very tough shelter mutt a few years ago, and he couldn't get into my coop/ run as it is now. We also built a 'Ft. Knox' fence for him! Mary

 

[aart]

the hot wire might not even slow him down.

Have you ever tried a shock collar on him?

 

[blackdog043]

If you didn't get your hardware cloth yet, check Amazon and walmart.com, they generally have the lowest price. I would use T posts to secure the run to the ground and run your zip ties through the wire and around the post. With your dog, I don't think spacing each post 2 feet apart is to close. Do a couple and see how flexible or strong it is.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Tigger, if you read all of my posts, you would know that I worked as a vet tech for 12 years. I have also fostered a LOT of animals I brought home from work. I've even volunteered for a horse rescue for a couple of years. I'm well aware that castrating will not eradicate aggressiveness in all cases--but in many cases, it DOES. So I was doing everything I could to at least try to reduce his aggressiveness.

I did plenty of homework on this breed, but even though I've dealt with many very aggressive dogs over the years, this one, as I said, is by far the worst I've ever seen.

Taking in an older aggressive dog? No. I've had this dog since he was 8 weeks old, spent thousands of dollars to save him when he had Parvo, and never had chickens before. I've wanted chickens for at least twenty years now, but never got any because I've always had dogs. This is why I'm seeking help on this forum. I want to keep them safe from the dog when I do get them! I have no way to keep the dog out of sight of the chickens. We live on 2 1/3 acres, fully fenced. The dog runs free within the fence, and keeps undesirables away effectively. He's completely changed. I don't know what happened, but he hasn't attacked anything in years. But like I said, because of what has happened in the past, I want to be sure the chickens will be secure.

And yes, we are planning on staking the heck out of the run, making it go through the hardware cloth and using a hardware cloth skirt all the way around.

I've heard about hog rings, Capricorn. The guy who wanted to charge us $1000-1400 to build a run mentioned them. We couldn't afford that, and on top of that, we are getting up in age and have no building skills, which is why I keep asking so many questions on this forum.

You should check out my thread helpful hints for building coops. I show how to build coops and hoop structures with lots of pictures. Bith hubby and i are retired. I built the coop while he was on vacation. He helped with the hoop coop. They make great runs.

 

[Seaecho]

Folly, WOW! You can tell how solid your runs are! Aart, no, haven't tried a shock collar, as I figured the pain wouldn't bother him if he really wanted something, due to his history. Also, how could I shock him if I can't watch him at all times? I have to sleep sometimes, and can't camp in front of the window 24/7. Also, cost. Blackdog, I have gotten my hardware cloth. 1/2" 14 gauge. Running the zip ties through the wire and post sounds good. I'll be sure to do that. The hoop coop idea sounds good to me, and I did consider it weeks ago, but we've already bought two 7 ft. long galvanized cages to use. Folly, I doubt he'd try to break in just to get some yummy food. I think the motion of the chickens, the sounds, etc., would be far more interesting to him (moving prey). Looks like the 2x4 woven wire will be at least another $60. And hubby thought we had everything we needed--this might not go over well, lol.

Just mentioned the 2x4 woven wire to hubby. He said if we really do need it, we can get it as we go. (We're not far along enough with the prefab coop we're putting together to do anything with the run yet). Do most of you think the 2x4 wire is necessary? IF so, I'll absolutely get it.

 

[ScottandSam]

Good luck. The only dog attack on our flock was a American bull dog. Wife smaked it on the head with a shovel and thats was knocked it out of its trance like state. She easly then took him by the collar to our barn to wait till I got home. 6 chicken gone in seconds. Haven't seen him around since.
Scott

 

[blackdog043]

I think you will be ok without the 2 x 4 wire, as long as you are covering the whole run with hardware cloth.