The Secret Weapon for Safe Coops: Why Hardware Cloth is a Backyard Chicken Must-Have

Some climates are wet or tropical, and rust happens quicker. Here in Costa Rica I decided to buy corrugated aluminum sheets and bury them 8" in the ground. The interior floors are concrete. Hardware cloth is above ground and behind the aluminum sheets. There are also wood louvers that can be latched at night and open in the day for ventilation. In almost 9 years, not one problem. Since we're older, it's comforting to know that no real maintenance is needed.

Good advice. Anchor securely. Raccoons pulled 1 by 4 boards loose to get to my birds. Too bad they're cute, for they are the meanest, smartest, most cruel critter around these parts.

My husband and I began using this after a racoon break in. Lucky for us we caught him 1/2 way in and scared him off.

Fantastic article. Succinct and informative. I was not aware of the difference between GAW or GBW. Helpful links at the end as well. Thank you for publishing.

Lot's of great info here. Thanks!

Nicely written!

Very informative article. Written in a readable way.

Great article with tips for building a secure coop

I wish more people read this before
building their coops!

This finally cured my predator problem.

Helpful article for securing the coop against predators.

Important info!

Very crucial information!

We use 1/2" hardware cloth here for years and nothing has even tried. We live bordering a forest so it's important to safeguard our chickens. Anyone having predator issues, this article will help you!

Informative,nicely formatted,and a pleasure to read.

Glad to see an article on hardware cloth...it's expensive but so worth it!