Bluebell1985 Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 I'm looking to build a run rather than buying a premade one. I've opted for a wooden structure rather than pre fabricated metal. Can anyone reccommend a supplier for quality (rigid) wire mess or a suitable alternative? This is relatively new to me so structural advice is very much appreciated Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 Hills of Devon are very good suppliers of weldmesh. Make sure that yo use good quality tanalised timber, and create a skirt around the bottom of the panels. Lay the housing and run on a slabbed or concrete base and then put slabs over the top of that skirt. The run will need clear, waterproof roofing - bear in mind that it is best to have mesh panels under this too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 There used to be a sticky on here, before the forum restructure, called Walk-in Run Inspiration. it showed photos of members' runs and was excellent for help and ideas; someone may know where it ended up and pipe up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 Here you go: although many links and pictures are broken I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 31, 2020 Share Posted March 31, 2020 You are a star Catty ⭐ I run out of patience with searching! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebell1985 Posted April 1, 2020 Author Share Posted April 1, 2020 13 hours ago, The Dogmother said: Hills of Devon are very good suppliers of weldmesh. Make sure that yo use good quality tanalised timber, and create a skirt around the bottom of the panels. Lay the housing and run on a slabbed or concrete base and then put slabs over the top of that skirt. The run will need clear, waterproof roofing - bear in mind that it is best to have mesh panels under this too. Thanks very much for your reply. Is weldmesh strong enough? I've had a look on the website and its on a roll. For some reason unbeknownst to me I had the impression that I needed the heavy duty stuff that's rigid and comes in panels. Am I wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 It depends on the gauge - thickness of the wire. Choose one with 1cm holes, and decent thickness of wire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 Weldmesh on a roll is fine but you want 16 gauge or lower, doesn’t have to be rigid panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenNutter Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 We are in the middle of building a double walk in run, belts and braces job with the weldmesh as we live out in the country. Ours was from Ultimate One Online, as it was the best price and is 16 gauge on a roll. It has an apron all around which is being earthed over and then stone placed on top. Glad we now have plenty of time to finish it! 23 hours ago, The Dogmother said: There used to be a sticky on here, before the forum restructure, called Walk-in Run Inspiration. it showed photos of members' runs and was excellent for help and ideas; someone may know where it ended up and pipe up. I wondered where that sticky had gone, I was looking for it before we began this run. It had some great photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 That looks brilliant - the girls will be safe in that! Don't forget kickboards to keep the litter in, and mesh under the clear waterproof roof as that stuff gets fragile over time and it's not unknown for a fox to fall through. You've probably got that covered though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted April 1, 2020 Share Posted April 1, 2020 Wow that’s fantastic. I’m jealous 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Kevin Cooper on the Omlet Chicken Keeping Forum has a great one. Reminiscent of Avieries4U. I loved the hexagonal one they did. I think Cinnamon had one before she moved. A good purpose built one is so much better than the Omlet WIR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Actually, I’ve just looked and it’s the FB Omlet Chicken Keeping Community Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 We bought a second roll of weld mesh from a local supplier in the UK. The first, after 10 years, is still in perfect condition, the second after 3 years has rusted badly to the extent that the remainder of the roll is scrap. Simply not worth using it. The problem is the thickness of the zinc protection. 'Zinc plated' is no good, even though it is cheaper, it needs to be 'hot dip galvanised' which could be twice the price. Something to watch for Patricia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 (edited) Looks great chickenNutter! Our run has served us really well and still doing a good job but I always want a new one when I see all these photos Edited April 2, 2020 by Lewis typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...