I used 1/2 inch hardware cloth on my entire coop/run build. I used post hole diggers and dug a trench around the entire structure and my hardware cloth is buried straight down 12 inches below the bottom frame. Around the coop itself I also poured quick drying cement into the trench to encase the wire. I figured I'm putting this much time and $ into having a dozen birds(for now 😅) that I might as well do it right that I can feel confident of their security. Chesterfield, Virginia
Great job! Anything to protect the girls. I ended up using the 1/4" hardware cloth because I ordered so much to button up the run. I also dug about 14" out from the run and stapled it to the run as well. Backfilled the dirt and let weeds take hold 😅So far so good
I think it's a good idea, but I would have leveled it off with dirt after you installed the wire, packed the dirtdown and then placed the rocks on top.
I added the same to my coop as I was building it around all four sides three feet out from the coop. It went under concrete pavers that the run and coop sits on. I don’t know if you did it or not but you need to cut off the ends and not have the stragglers of wire. I covered mine with dirt and rock but over time the rock and dirt was pushed away from blowing the yard or just walking around it. In no time I was tripping over it because of the stragglers getting caught on my shoes. Especially the corners would as well. Bury the mesh by a few inches. I went back digging it all out and it made a huge difference. Plus I found a spot where a fox attempted to dig but gave up. Saw it on my camera
I laid two runs of cinder block (18" depth) under the parameter wall of my entire run and coop. I used hardware cloth 1/2" welded mesh 24" laid out from the bottom around the outside perimeter buried about 3 inches deep. The run walls and coop windows are all covered in hardware cloth 1/2" welded mesh. Both run and coop have a galvanized roof. All doors and openings use a latch with a lock or carabiner. I figure if some critter digs and tunnels more than 2 feet away from the coop, lower than 18" to get beneath the cider block, they deserve a chicken dinner.
This is a great tutorial! I am a relatively new subscriber & I learn alot from your videos! Thank you!! I don't have chickens yet, but I'm gathering ideas!! 💕
My cat is fine. She will obliterate another cat but chicks get within inches and no problems. My neighbor's cat is a BIG problem for chickens of all sizes. It even tries to get my rooster. I keep a Super Soaker water gun for that cat. 💦💦
I used 1/2 inch hardware cloth on my entire coop/run build. I used post hole diggers and dug a trench around the entire structure and my hardware cloth is buried straight down 12 inches below the bottom frame. Around the coop itself I also poured quick drying cement into the trench to encase the wire. I figured I'm putting this much time and $ into having a dozen birds(for now 😅) that I might as well do it right that I can feel confident of their security. Chesterfield, Virginia
Sounds expensive! How much was the hardware cloth alone? Thanks
Great job! Anything to protect the girls. I ended up using the 1/4" hardware cloth because I ordered so much to button up the run. I also dug about 14" out from the run and stapled it to the run as well. Backfilled the dirt and let weeds take hold 😅So far so good
I think it's a good idea, but I would have leveled it off with dirt after you installed the wire, packed the dirtdown and then placed the rocks on top.
I added the same to my coop as I was building it around all four sides three feet out from the coop. It went under concrete pavers that the run and coop sits on. I don’t know if you did it or not but you need to cut off the ends and not have the stragglers of wire. I covered mine with dirt and rock but over time the rock and dirt was pushed away from blowing the yard or just walking around it. In no time I was tripping over it because of the stragglers getting caught on my shoes. Especially the corners would as well. Bury the mesh by a few inches. I went back digging it all out and it made a huge difference. Plus I found a spot where a fox attempted to dig but gave up. Saw it on my camera
Wow!
WIRE CLOSET SHELVES that I found on the side of the road.
This is an incredible idea!
I laid two runs of cinder block (18" depth) under the parameter wall of my entire run and coop. I used hardware cloth 1/2" welded mesh 24" laid out from the bottom around the outside perimeter buried about 3 inches deep. The run walls and coop windows are all covered in hardware cloth 1/2" welded mesh. Both run and coop have a galvanized roof. All doors and openings use a latch with a lock or carabiner. I figure if some critter digs and tunnels more than 2 feet away from the coop, lower than 18" to get beneath the cider block, they deserve a chicken dinner.
This is a great tutorial! I am a relatively new subscriber & I learn alot from your videos! Thank you!! I don't have chickens yet, but I'm gathering ideas!! 💕
I'm in Florida, hardware cloth & German Shepherds keep critters out of my coup.
I'm not concerned with coyotes the smell of dogs and horses keep them away,now bobcats and the occasional mountain lion,that can be a real concern.🐓
Yikes!!
We put down horse stall mats, it makes super easy cleanup because they're smooth
One addition could be sod/landscape staples that can secure the mesh making it more difficult.
That would not work for my scenario as I have ground hogs. They would laugh at that.
I have a steel barn and I use stall mats inside my "coop".
You're always very thorough so i assume you clipped the sharp wire ends inside the coop or wherever you were stapling
Is your cat good with the chickens?
My cat is fine. She will obliterate another cat but chicks get within inches and no problems.
My neighbor's cat is a BIG problem for chickens of all sizes. It even tries to get my rooster.
I keep a Super Soaker water gun for that cat. 💦💦
He’s fine with chickens… the chickens aren’t very nice to him 😅
Are you remodeling a 100 year old farmhouse like your channel “About” section says?