Wire size and type?

[frostychicken]

I had expected to purchase some traditional chicken wire/poultry netty for my new chicken run... Now I've seen a great variety of wire types and cannot decide which to buy. I will have a run covered with bird netting and plan to bury 6"-12" of the wire in the ground (to discourage critters from digging in). My wire choices are: traditional chicken wire, welded wire (2"x4" openings), and a plastic coated welded wire.
What will be safest for the chickens and will also stand the test of time?

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

I use 19 guage 1/2" welded mesh wire. It costs more than chicken wire but is VERY worth it. Nothing can get through it:no racoons, snakes, etc.

Food for thought:
If the holes are too large racoons can easily reach through the wire, grab a chicken, pull it to the fence, and eat your chicken one bite at a time.