Attaching hardware cloth

[MeowCluckBark]

I used a coated fence wire to 'stitch' the seam together.

 

[djwest8635]

I use my finishing gun with 3/4" staples. You kinda have to hold it over the corner of the joints in the wire, and make sure to turn the pressure pretty low, but it seemed to work consistently. We installed about 40 sq. ft. of 1/2" hardware cloth in about 20 minutes using the finishing gun.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Here is a detailed pic of how I do mine. I overlap the H/C about 4 to 6 inches the and use tension wire and loxit rings to fasten the seams.

When I overlap the H/C on a chain link kennel I also use the Loxit Rings to fasten the seams and secure it to the kennel. Works great! Easier to install than tie straps and permanent.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I use hog rings to hook wire to wire. U nails to nail it to the frame

 

[wrldlygrrl]

I used wire...works great.

 

[mandelyn]

On our first run we used staples, strong deep ones, and lot's of them.

The new run we're building, we're doing the staples again, but changed the design to incorporate the wire between boards too for added strength. The first is HC top to bottom and 2x4 welded wire for the roof. This new run, HC on the bottom 32 inches, next section is 2x2 welded wire, roof will be the 2x4 welded wire.

I use wire and pliers for a tight close when attaching wire to wire, being sure to cut and restart to avoid one continuous strand that could unravel if disturbed. It's sealed all the way down, a new piece of wire about every 6 inches.

I don't use any fencing that isn't welded, you'd be amazed at what a raccoon can do to chicken wire mesh.

 

[otonoh]

THANKS, I am using u nails too, I have hardware cloth on the sides, The roof, Not sure if I should use chicken wire to save money or hardware cloth on top too. I am not sure if predators will climb the run to try to get into the run.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Sure they would. No problem for a raccoon to climb up the side of a pen to rip open the top. If you are counting on the security of the run to keep your chickens safe at night, don't use chickenwire on the top.

But if your chickens are locked inside a secure coop every night, then you might decide to accept the risk of the roof of your run being vulnerable to critters that have teeth, like raccoons. A chicken wire roof will keep out common daytime predators like hawks perfectly well. Raccoons are seldom out during the day.

 

[Ridgerunner]

To attach hardwire cloth to hardwire cloth, I use J-Clips. You can get them and the tool you need to attach them at the rabbit section of Tractor Supply. They are traditionally what is used to make all wire rabbit cages. Wire threaded through will also work great. I suspect hog rings will work OK too, you just need to squeeze them down real tight so you don't leave gaps something might squeeze through.

To attach hardware cloth to a flat wood surface, I use lathes. This is a strip of wood maybe 1/2" think. I predrill holes for the screws so the wood does not split and attach it with wood screws suitable for outdoor use. I make sure the screw goes through an opening in the hardware cloth and screw it down pretty tightly. That hardware cloth will not go anywhere. To me, one advantage of this over using the screws and washers is that the wood covers up the sharp edges of the wire. I don't mind the sight of blood, even my own as long as it is in small amounts, but I don't especially enjoy it.

To attach hardware cloth to posts and such that are not flat surfaces, I use fencing staples.

Raccoons, possums, and many other things can climb over a fence and do damage to chicken wire. You'd be surprised at how well foxes, coyotes, and many dogs can do getting over a fence. Chicken wire over the top will help add to the safety of your run, especially during the day, but it does not solve the predator problem. They can still get in, even during the day. The reason night is usually the more dangerous time is that many predators are more active at night and they normally have more uninterrupted hours to work on that wire.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

 

[ChixMama]

Screws/washers to attach to wood and zip ties for the hardware cloth onto the chain link. I did most of the run myself and I figured we could replace zip ties with wire once they start to fail. At least the zip ties are quick to get the right alignment and get it all put together. Have fun!