Ok, if you're not going to predator proof your coop, for instance your chickens will have free-choice free range, I can see where it doesn't really matter whether hardware cloth, welded or woven wire, or even chicken wire is used to fence a run or to cover coop windows with being as the pop door (if there is one) will probably be permanently open. As an "understood", chicken wire is considered (rightly so) as nothing more than something to contain chickens, not repel predators...it is at the bottom of the food-chain in regards to fencing.
BUT...
I see some really nice backyard coops that are built so very well and the owners must be proud of them. They were built with predator-proofing in mind. These usually incorporate an attached run. With all the detail used in construction I see hardware cloth (and even chicken wire) used as the perimeter defense/fence. 1/2" hardware cloth is really nice (and expensive) and definitely has it's use in coops and runs. But, it is a known fact that dogs and some raccoons can tear through hardware cloth fairly easily. Welded wire is cheap and is much more durable and predator resistant than hardware cloth.
It seems to me the better design would be to cover the coop/run with 2x4 welded wire (woven wire would be even better). To that a layer of two feet tall 1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom to prevent coons from reaching through and grabbing a chicken would finish it nicely. (I would install the hc cloth first and then the 2x4 wire). Over the windows I'd do the same thing....1/2" hc and 2x4 welded wire. If you've already covered the coop/run in hc then just running a 3-4 foot tall piece of the heavier fencing around the bottom of the perimeter would enhance protection tremendously by providing a stronger fence against dogs chewing through.
I see people refer to their coops as "Fort Chicken Knox" or whatever and they are covered with hc or chicken wire. Don't be *too* comfortable with that, it's not impenetrable by any means. Welded wire, too, can be penetrated...but it'll take a LOT more effort from the attacker.
Another dimension to protection is using an electric fence which really kicks up pretection. Oh, and don't forget an apron...
This is just something that has been bugging me and thought I'd pen it down. No matter how fancy, how utilitarian, what features and bells and whistles your coop has....if the fence isn't predator strong then all is for naught...one day you may very well walk out into a slaughter-yard. Sometimes, though, even welded/woven wire isn't enough so we just have to do the best we can.
Now, if you free-choice free range then you know your environment and the risks involved. It seems it would still be a nice to have a secure area to lock down the birds should a marauder come into the area.
Best wishes,
Ed
A couple of links...
Dog Vs. Hardware cloth...
Reconsider Effectiveness of Hardware Cloth
BUT...
I see some really nice backyard coops that are built so very well and the owners must be proud of them. They were built with predator-proofing in mind. These usually incorporate an attached run. With all the detail used in construction I see hardware cloth (and even chicken wire) used as the perimeter defense/fence. 1/2" hardware cloth is really nice (and expensive) and definitely has it's use in coops and runs. But, it is a known fact that dogs and some raccoons can tear through hardware cloth fairly easily. Welded wire is cheap and is much more durable and predator resistant than hardware cloth.
It seems to me the better design would be to cover the coop/run with 2x4 welded wire (woven wire would be even better). To that a layer of two feet tall 1/2" hardware cloth along the bottom to prevent coons from reaching through and grabbing a chicken would finish it nicely. (I would install the hc cloth first and then the 2x4 wire). Over the windows I'd do the same thing....1/2" hc and 2x4 welded wire. If you've already covered the coop/run in hc then just running a 3-4 foot tall piece of the heavier fencing around the bottom of the perimeter would enhance protection tremendously by providing a stronger fence against dogs chewing through.
I see people refer to their coops as "Fort Chicken Knox" or whatever and they are covered with hc or chicken wire. Don't be *too* comfortable with that, it's not impenetrable by any means. Welded wire, too, can be penetrated...but it'll take a LOT more effort from the attacker.
Another dimension to protection is using an electric fence which really kicks up pretection. Oh, and don't forget an apron...
This is just something that has been bugging me and thought I'd pen it down. No matter how fancy, how utilitarian, what features and bells and whistles your coop has....if the fence isn't predator strong then all is for naught...one day you may very well walk out into a slaughter-yard. Sometimes, though, even welded/woven wire isn't enough so we just have to do the best we can.
Now, if you free-choice free range then you know your environment and the risks involved. It seems it would still be a nice to have a secure area to lock down the birds should a marauder come into the area.
Best wishes,
Ed
A couple of links...
Dog Vs. Hardware cloth...
Reconsider Effectiveness of Hardware Cloth
