Should I keep or return hardware cloth?

[NatJ]

A small young mouse would make a nice snack.

Yes, if it went into a chicken pen during the day. But mice like to move around at night, when the chickens are sleeping.

I would probably use 1/2" hardware cloth anyway, just pointing out that it does not keep out 100% of mice.

 

[citychicks99]

If this is strictly for mice and rats only, 1/4" should still do the job. Because the wire is thinner it's not ideal against larger predators.

Yes, this is only for mice and rats. We don't really have an issue here with larger predators. I'll see how much it will cost to return it. If I keep it I could perhaps use it as an extra layer of protection on the bottom level to make sure even baby mice can't get in.

 

[McChooky]

I bought a roll of of welded wire fencing to add a layer of protection on the upper part of an 8 x 16 run covered top to bottom in hardware cloth .I used heavy duty fence staples to secure the hardware cloth and fencing

 

[McChooky]

Welded wire fencing secured with heavy fence staples over top 1/4"
I used 1/2" x 12" wide rolls of hardware cloth on top for predators that might climb on top and try to chew the wire. Its not likely that a predators going climb and hang on the upper sides long enough to chew thru 1/4".

 

[Gax000]

Per the University of Nebraska (Rodent proofing ) 1/4” hardware cloth is needed to keep mice out and 1/2” or smaller will keep rats out.

 

[Cheralinn]

23 gage is pretty flimsy. I would go 17 gage