Is 2x4 wire safe for a chicken run?

[Redfurmama]

We currently have 2 hens and will be getting 10 more hens soon. We want to build a large enclosure since they will not be able to free range.

We have about 800 to 1,000 square feet of room available for one, but we want to check and see if our idea for the design will be predator proof enough?

We have enough dog kennel panels on hand that will build the entire thing and they have 2"x4" spacing. Is this okay? We plan to cover the bottom 4 feet of the run with hardware cloth and install an apron that is 6" below the ground and 2 feet wide. the apron will then be covered in dirt and a layer of gravel. We also have rolls of welded wire on hand that has 2"x4" spacing that we plan to cover the top of the run with and then cover that with a heavy duty tarp for shade.

We live in Alabama and have the following predators around our house: fox, coyote, skunk, opossum, raccoon, and snakes. We also have a heavy population of rats and mice.

Will our design idea be predator proof enough and keep them safe? How can we keep the snakes, rats, and mice out given the 2x4 spacing they could fit through? What about weasels?

We can keep a constant eye on the run during the day, so will it be safe enough during the day as long as they have a strong, predator proof coop where they can be locked up at night? We plan to surround the run with predator deterrent lights and sound makers (rope with bells, etc), plus we will have a baby monitor inside with the hens.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you!

 

[Doc7]

It’s a risk for sure. It’s not predator proof by any means.However, you have enough deterrents planned that i think the level of risk may be acceptable to you. If your flock was wiped out or cut in half every 1-3 years would that be devastating to you? If no, proceeed. If that would be a bad situation for you and your family, I wouldn’t recommend it.

 

[Chicken Heel]

With a predator proof coop at night, you should be okay as many of the predators you note are nocturnal in nature. Snakes, rats and mice will still be able to get in with 2" x 4" spaces as would weasels.

 

[aart]

We can keep a constant eye on the run during the day, so will it be safe enough during the day as long as they have a strong, predator proof coop where they can be locked up at night?

That's what I have.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
It sounds good, although not totally predator proof. Having a coop large enough for the flock to be locked in for a couple of weeks, or a coop and smaller run that's very very safe, would be best, and then your larger run will be good for most of the time when things aren't that dangerous. At least you won't be shoveling snow in winter!
Mary

 

[amk122284]

Our coop is completely predator proof, its in an actual garage with concrete floor. Our run on one side is dog kennel panels. The rest is chicken wire with a hardware cloth skirt. Both of our neighbors have or have had chickens most of the last 10 years and the ONLY predator issues they've had is red tail hawks during free range. So we went with chicken wire the rest of the way around and over the top on half, the other half of the run will be steel roof to keep weather out. It all boils down to what your predator issues are. We occasionally catch a cat on our cameras in the driveway but it's always in the middle of the night and in the middle of the night the chickens are definitely in the coop.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, welcome to BYC! Your coop plans sound pretty good actually. Covering the lower part of the run fencing with hardware cloth, and having an apron, are great deterrents to many predators (those nasty raccoons especially!). And having a nice tight coop is another. Keeping your feed secure at night will go a long way to not attracting mice and rats! Sounds like you've really done your homework. Enjoy your chicken-keeping!