So I know this material has been discussed ad nauseum with parties pitted on both sides but something I have not seen come up specifically and wonder about it.
Briefly, the reasoning I see explained behind not using hex netting is 1. it is too flimsy and 2. the opening is big enough for a coon hand to reach through (or rats to access, etc.). Instead it is recommended to use 1/2" hardware cloth or welded wire of the same opening dimension.
I am currently considering removing a portion of the roof on my run and putting something else on to allow more sunlight in. It's a 10x10 run (a converted dog kennel) with a plywood based roof at the moment. I really want to use hex netting for one simple reason- it comes in a width that is big enough to span the roof section (gabled, each half is 6'x10' so all of the pannels on the whole run are 6'x10' sections more or less) in two solid pieces. The rest of the run is chainlink outside and 1/2" hardware cloth inside.
I found a supplier of hex netting while looking for more hardware cloth that makes the netting in a heavier gauge than "normal" hardware cloth (looking at 18 gauge but they make even heavier) which is 19 gauge typically AND it has 5/8" diameter openings. So it is both stronger and almost as tight as hardware cloth PLUS it comes in 72" width, perfect.
I am in a relatively urban area so I don't have any major predators except coons and possums and hawks, owls, osprey, etc. No big ones like bears or coyotes. Lots of dogs, pretty much every household has at least one. I know better than to use 1" wire of any kind, learned the hard way. But does it seem reasonable to use hex netting that is both heavier gauge and similarly sized as 1/2" welded? Coons can definitely climb any structure they can get their nasty little hands around. Maybe I should just leave the roof be as is?
Briefly, the reasoning I see explained behind not using hex netting is 1. it is too flimsy and 2. the opening is big enough for a coon hand to reach through (or rats to access, etc.). Instead it is recommended to use 1/2" hardware cloth or welded wire of the same opening dimension.
I am currently considering removing a portion of the roof on my run and putting something else on to allow more sunlight in. It's a 10x10 run (a converted dog kennel) with a plywood based roof at the moment. I really want to use hex netting for one simple reason- it comes in a width that is big enough to span the roof section (gabled, each half is 6'x10' so all of the pannels on the whole run are 6'x10' sections more or less) in two solid pieces. The rest of the run is chainlink outside and 1/2" hardware cloth inside.
I found a supplier of hex netting while looking for more hardware cloth that makes the netting in a heavier gauge than "normal" hardware cloth (looking at 18 gauge but they make even heavier) which is 19 gauge typically AND it has 5/8" diameter openings. So it is both stronger and almost as tight as hardware cloth PLUS it comes in 72" width, perfect.
I am in a relatively urban area so I don't have any major predators except coons and possums and hawks, owls, osprey, etc. No big ones like bears or coyotes. Lots of dogs, pretty much every household has at least one. I know better than to use 1" wire of any kind, learned the hard way. But does it seem reasonable to use hex netting that is both heavier gauge and similarly sized as 1/2" welded? Coons can definitely climb any structure they can get their nasty little hands around. Maybe I should just leave the roof be as is?
