1/2 in or 1 inch hardware cloth for run?

[LittleRedCoopLady]

Hello All! So, I'm wondering if 1x1 in hardware cloth is sufficient for a run. I've been reading that the 1/2 in is ideal for keeping snakes out, however I've never seen a snake on our property. Does the 1x1 do a good job at protecting against foxes, dogs, raccoons, skunks? Those are what we've had on our property. I'm asking because we were given a roll of 1x1 in hardware cloth for free, so I'd really like to use it if possible, but also want my girls safe. Thanks!!!

 

[Bear1978]

Im using 1/2in HW cloth. Even if you haven’t seen any snakes, doesn’t mean once you have chickens they won’t show up.
Plus, a coon could easily reach its paws through one inch spacing and grab an chicken and pull it piece by piece through the 1in gap.

 

[neo71665]

A coon and a possum can reach in a 1 inch hole and kill a bird.

I'd take the free wire and use it for an apron on the ground to keep animals from digging into the pen.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'd really like to use it if possible, but also want my girls safe.

Agree with Bear and Neo.. either use as a skirt or run roof.. where the birds will not be in reaching distance of grabby little scalping and decapitating raccoon paws.

Use either the half inch or solid.. I like to use metal roofing around the base of the run if I have it laying around or free..

If my wire is larger.. I place something solid at the ends of roosts or anywhere that might have a chicken hanging out for grabbing.

At my location, with my set up.. I MIGHT be okay with day time run being 1 inch.. as my biggest daytime issue is aerial predators not ground vermin.

Best wishes for safe keeping!

 

[Folly's place]

Rats and weasels will get through that 1" wire too, and neither are good! It certainly will help as an additional layer of protection, with the 1/2" hardware cloth, so consider using it for that purpose.
Also, small chicks can get through 1" wire, if you ever have broody hens out there.
Any protection is better than nothing, but the more you do, the better.
Mary

 

[David61]

What kind of run? Open or netted top you are wasting money on hardware cloth. Maybe the first two feet so nothing reaches in but if its not going to be enclosed 100%. Use animal wire like 1x2 2x4 14ga-16ga and border the bottom two feet.

 

[Folly's place]

'Safety' is relative, and directly related to the amount of money and time spent.
Having a very safe coop large enough for the flock is essential, and it's best to have it, or a coop/ run combination, large enough for the weeks that the birds might be spending 'on lockdown' over a predator or weather event.
Then, having a larger run for daytime use only is good, realizing the USUALLY raccoons, for example, are nighttime visitors. And netting over this run should deter raptors.
Totally free range is relative too; never really safe, and best fenced away from neighbors.
Mary

 

[LittleRedCoopLady]

Thank you so much for the advice! My run has a roof over it and will be open on three sides. It's a lean-to off of our barn. I'm ordering 1/2 in based on suggestions here. Is 19 gauge what you all would suggest?

 

[Bear1978]

Yes a minimum of 19 gauge wire is best.

 

[aart]

I'm ordering 1/2 in based on suggestions here. Is 19 gauge what you all would suggest?

Yes, typical 1/2" HC is 19ga.
You could also go with a 1/2 x 1" cage mesh, bit heaver gauge wire(don't know the number off the top of my head).