Would this dog kennel work for a run?

[Chicken-poodle]

I'm not handy, and have been pricing runs, and they are more than I want to spend. But, we have plenty of raccoons and foxes, so I must have security. I was thinking this dog kennel at Lowe's might work if I cover the bottom and lower walls (is 2' high enough?) with hardware cloth. Dimensions of the kennel are 10'x10' or 5'x15' and it costs $380. The only challenge is the gaps around the door, which I think I can do. What do you all think about this? Thanks for your feedback!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pet-Sentinel-10-ft-L-x-5-ft-W-x-6-ft-H-Preassembled-Kit-Pet-Kennel/50441820

 

[munchkin123]

Hey!

That is a great idea, but you must have some sort of fencing buried underneath it as well, to keep predators from burrowing in. Im pretty sure 12 inches of fencing underground is recommended, but you should definitely look it up and double check lol. An alternative to burying fencing is to have a smaller, wooden/metal/secure coop inside the dog pen that you can close and secure every night from predators.

That is what we do. We have a huge run fenced in plastic netting but every night we lock the hens up in a secure, wood coop that nothing can break into.

I hope that helps! If you have any other questions lmk! Good luck!

 

[Chicken-poodle]

Thank you, munchkin! Do you think 2' high is high enough on the hardware cloth? I was going to make that the floor as well. Got a big roll of it.

Hey!

That is a great idea, but you must have some sort of fencing buried underneath it as well, to keep predators from burrowing in. Im pretty sure 12 inches of fencing underground is recommended, but you should definitely look it up and double check lol. An alternative to burying fencing is to have a smaller, wooden/metal/secure coop inside the dog pen that you can close and secure every night from predators.

That is what we do. We have a huge run fenced in plastic netting but every night we lock the hens up in a secure, wood coop that nothing can break into.

I hope that helps! If you have any other questions lmk! Good luck!

 

[aart]

Do you think 2' high is high enough on the hardware cloth?

Maybe. Doesn't say what size the holes in mesh are.
2' high will work for raccoon reach thrus, but preds can climb and get in.
You'll need metal mesh on top too.

I was going to make that the floor as well.

Apron would be better.
Good examples of anti-dig apron installation.
If rodents are prolific, burying the apron ~12" would be good.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/wire-around-coop.1110498/#post-17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

What will you have for a coop?

Oh, and....Welcome to BYC! @Chicken-poodle
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Should be fine. Not sure what the top is made of (just a shade cloth or tarp, or is there metal under it?) I have about 2' of 1/2" hardware cloth up the sides of my run for coons, and then aproned out about 2' around the perimeter to deter digging.