1/2 x 1/2" Hardware Cloth joined with hog rings

[Ted Brown]

I built my run in 2020ish. I used 12-16" aprons all round joined to the HC wire walls only with hog rings; worked very well for 5 years.

These joins are now failing. The rings themselves can detach from the HC and/or the welds on the HC are failing. Does not really matter. Just an alert to folks to check your HC and attachment points on a regular basis (annually?).

Note that the HC and hog rings are at ground level and therefor have been buried most of their lives.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Good reminder. I use aluminum wire to join wire fencing together to, hopefully, make it last longer (still testing). Sadly, galvanized metal does not last long at all on or in the ground in wet environments. It's one reason I advise people to not bury hardware cloth inside their runs. It will come apart, and broken, rusty hardware cloth is dangerous stuff, especially for delicate chicken feet.

 

[Ted Brown]

I carefully untie the wire used to bind & ship itself, have never run out so continue to use that for repairs.

Climate matters in this context, as you noted. I am most disappointed in the hog rings; they separate too easily IMHO, seeking alternatives to wire weaving...

 

[Sally PB]

And this is when I really miss Aart. She would probably have had an idea and recommendation.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

And this is when I really miss Aart. She would probably have had an idea and recommendation.

Oh, no, I missed this entirely! What a loss! She was so patient and helpful as I wrangled (sometimes mangled) run design. RIP, aart.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/goodbye-aart.1667789/

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wilcoxnewspapers-pcl/name/anne-arthur-obituary?id=58161790

 

[WildNectarine]

Does coated HC exist? Maybe that could protect it from weathering.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Does coated HC exist? Maybe that could protect it from weathering.

Yes, there is PVC-coated HC. It might be worse. The coating degrades which exposes bare wire underneath.

 

[WildNectarine]

Yes, there is PVC-coated HC. It might be worse. The coating degrades which exposes bare wire underneath.

Dang! I wonder if there’s anything we could coat it in ourselves that would protect it for longer?