[fluffy feather]

hi everyone, im new to this site and also new to keeping hens, i have a good run all fenced and a secure coup for nightime. did anyone ever hear of a fox eating through the wire mesh to get into the pen? i've heard people talking about it but dont know weather its true or not.

[corynsboy]

Hi FF Welcome to the site.

Yep.  Have a read on the forum posts there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that a fox, when given enough time, can get through a chicken wire fence.

There are also plenty of posts on security and appropriate fencing.  Don't rush out and turn your run into Alcatraz, but it's definitely something to be aware of.

There is lots of smart, level headed advice to be found in these posts which was invaluable to me when I built my shed and run.  Mine is over-engineered as we got lucky with some fencing someone gave us, but I upgraded the chicken wire on the roof based on recommendations that I read on these pages.

[Sassy]

Weld mesh is your best option.

[garycogburn]

Hi fluffy. dont use chicken wire mesh. it is very thin guage and easy for even a rabbit to break through. use the welded mesh, the thicker guage the better. i personally have had no problems with foxes chewing through the mesh, touch wood!! just keep an eye on any mesh which has been tampered with, and repair. when foxes learn to use wire cutters, then we are in trouble!!!

[hillfooter]

Yes I've heard such stories but I think you would need to have pretty desperate foxes to chew through.  If you have the choice though choose 19swg + weld mesh of 12mm X 25mm or similar density.  If its larger mesh use thicker wire.
HF