Hardware cloth

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bt-dub

bt-dub

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Dec 12, 2012
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It sounds like hardware cloth is the way to go over regular chicken wire. Its very exspensive tho. I found multiple offers on ebay for hardware cloth and im wondering if anyone else has ever purchased it from ebay before. If so was it quality or crap? Any insight would be much appreciated. Im planning on building this coop for my parents for Christmas and I am running out of time. Thanks in advance
 
It is expensive but necessary. Chicken wire keeps chickens in but won't keep predators out.
Even if it is poor quality it's still better than chicken wire.
 
What is the difference between hardware cloth and chicken wire? And why won't chicken wire keep predators out? I'm a total newb stalking here thinking of building a coop and buying a few layers.
 
the chickenator said:
What is the difference between hardware cloth and chicken wire? And why won't chicken wire keep predators out? I'm a total newb stalking here thinking of building a coop and buying a few layers.
Click to expand...

Hardware cloth is thicker welded wire in various sized mesh openings starting at 1/8".
Chicken wire is thinner, not welded and 1" hexagon shaped openings. A big dog or coyote can run right through it. Possums can chew through it. Raccoons can rip it apart or just reach through if the chicken is close and pull parts of the chicken through it.
 
Chicken Wire is thin and bendable, and a lot of predators like coons can Chew through it with no effort. Dogs, Weasels, Etc have an easy time getting through Chicken Wire. Hard Wire Cloth is of heavier gauge and is not easily chewed through.
 
Make sure to get fence staples when using hardware cloth. And Gloves. That stuff hurts the hands!!

I free range, so hardware cloth is totally unnecessary.

My predator protection is a LGD.

Though if wire is all that protects them at night, I'd definitely suggest hardware cloth. It will cost you a lot of money..

I wouldn't personally use hardware cloth in a run. I'd double up chicken wire.

Your daytime predators would be dogs, and birds of prey. Run should be covered.

Or you could do chicken wire & electric fencing. Probably your safest bet. I find electric fencing cheaper than hardware cloth.

5 feet of hardware cloth that is 36 inches high is 35$ a roll. Electric fencing is under $100 for 300 ft that is 5 ft high.
 
aoxa said:
Make sure to get fence staples when using hardware cloth. And Gloves. That stuff hurts the hands!!

I free range, so hardware cloth is totally unnecessary.

My predator protection is a LGD.

Though if wire is all that protects them at night, I'd definitely suggest hardware cloth. It will cost you a lot of money..

I wouldn't personally use hardware cloth in a run. I'd double up chicken wire.

Your daytime predators would be dogs, and birds of prey. Run should be covered.

Or you could do chicken wire & electric fencing. Probably your safest bet. I find electric fencing cheaper than hardware cloth.

5 feet of hardware cloth that is 36 inches high is 35$ a roll. Electric fencing is under $100 for 300 ft that is 5 ft high.
Click to expand...

Good points.
Hardware cloth is only for coop windows. For runs I use welded wire/hog wire fencing or chain link or remesh covered by chicken wire.
I mostly free range and daytime protection is a rooster per 6 hens and at night locked up tight with big windows covered by 1/4" hardware cloth edges covered by wood.
Expanded metal is very predator proof. That can be covered by screen to keep even mosquitoes and flies out.
 
ChickenCanoe said:
Good points.
Hardware cloth is only for coop windows. For runs I use welded wire/hog wire fencing or chain link or remesh covered by chicken wire.
I mostly free range and daytime protection is a rooster per 6 hens and at night locked up tight with big windows covered by 1/4" hardware cloth edges covered by wood.
Expanded metal is very predator proof. That can be covered by screen to keep even mosquitoes and flies out.
Click to expand...
The windows in my barn already had metal screens over them. I had them open all year, and nothing got in. I think it's my dog that keeps them away though.

I have so many roosters as well. They do a great job at protecting them against birds of prey, and when a stray dog entered our yard (when my LGD was not around) my rooster Gigi attacked it. The dog was not after the birds, but I found it entertaining. My corgi pinned the stray and it was returned with a very stern warning.

Remember nothing will stand up if there are bears in your area
lol.png
 
So it sounds like I dont need to use hardware cloth as long as I build a solid coop and make sure they are in it at night
 
bt-dub said:
So it sounds like I dont need to use hardware cloth as long as I build a solid coop and make sure they are in it at night
Click to expand...
Depends on your area and how high predation is. I would offer some sort of protection if they are to be penned up. Wether it be hardware cloth, or electric fencing.

Stray dogs can easily get over a 5 ft fence in at your birds. Unless the hardware cloth is all the way around and on the top, that dog will find a way in.

What other daytime predators to worry about... Foxes sometimes hunt during the day. My friend lost a flock to foxes (at night though) and she had chicken wire all around her pen, but left the door open to the run that night, so the only time she had an issue with foxes was when the pen was open.. Not sure if they could get in the chicken wire or not. If you double it up, I don't think so.
 

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