I like hardware cloth for the coop . It keeps mice and snakes out and dogs and raccoons as well. Using welded wire for the run. And wooden privacy fence. I agree with your options. I still have to lock that coop up at night . I am thinking of eventually using a top on the run . And have bushes now for hawk protection
Chicken wire is ok for keeping chickens in or separating pens but absolutely useless for keeping predators out. Very few predators can't tear it apart. It will keep out Raptors but that's mostly it. We live in northern Alberta and have all the big ones up here. Most people here use stucco wire or construction wire depending on who's selling it and what they call it. Same stuff.
If the bear REALLY wants in, he'll get in. What he's saying is, is that the bear will usually give up before braking through. I was given a 10x10 chainlink dog pen, and after repairing what needed fixing, I use it for my coop (yes, it has a roof too). I fenced in my backyard with 2"x3" 5ft tall fencing (14 gauge I think?) and will let my chickens roam around my backyard if I'm not away.
No fencing is also a great choice. When you cage them in predators have a hay day and will kill an entire flock if they break in. I have around 60 chickens that roost in 5 different trees and never have had a massacre. My coop on the other hand is a predator magnet and the chickens only go there to lay eggs.
I like hardware cloth for the coop . It keeps mice and snakes out and dogs and raccoons as well. Using welded wire for the run. And wooden privacy fence. I agree with your options. I still have to lock that coop up at night . I am thinking of eventually using a top on the run . And have bushes now for hawk protection
Chicken wire is ok for keeping chickens in or separating pens but absolutely useless for keeping predators out. Very few predators can't tear it apart. It will keep out Raptors but that's mostly it. We live in northern Alberta and have all the big ones up here. Most people here use stucco wire or construction wire depending on who's selling it and what they call it. Same stuff.
The eastern mink can't get through hardware cloth,but poultry wire no problem
What do you recommend for keeping snakes out?
I'm not trying to be argumentative; however, I have a hard time believing chain link would keep out a bear.
If the bear REALLY wants in, he'll get in. What he's saying is, is that the bear will usually give up before braking through.
I was given a 10x10 chainlink dog pen, and after repairing what needed fixing, I use it for my coop (yes, it has a roof too). I fenced in my backyard with 2"x3" 5ft tall fencing (14 gauge I think?) and will let my chickens roam around my backyard if I'm not away.
I was looking for the Links that you mentioned. However, I can't seem to find them. Sorry
No fencing is also a great choice. When you cage them in predators have a hay day and will kill an entire flock if they break in. I have around 60 chickens that roost in 5 different trees and never have had a massacre. My coop on the other hand is a predator magnet and the chickens only go there to lay eggs.