Best Size of Hardware Cloth to Keep Out Snakes in Run

[Cinjolin]

I am new to chicken keeping and am building my first coop/run. What size hardware cloth is best to keep out gopher, king and rattlers?

 

[neo71665]

1/2 x 1/2 or smaller

 

[aart]

1/2 x 1/2 or smaller

Or maybe 1/4" x 1/4" to keep the babies out too.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd go with the 1/2". A snake big enough to eat an egg or a baby chick can get through 1" mesh but they shouldn't be able to with 1/2". If a snake can get through 1/4" mesh it's probably small enough that the chickens will eat it. Even if the chickens don't eat it a snake that small should not be able to eat a chicken egg or baby chick. A quail chick or egg, maybe?

 

[animalcraker]

If rattlers are a risk in your area you need 1/4”. Baby rattlers can easily go through 1/2”, there’s a few videos on YouTube comparing the different fencing “options” and 1/4 is the only size that works.

 

[3KillerBs]

The problem with 1/4" hardware cloth to keep out even very small snakes is that the thinner wire used to make this material is less proof against other predators than the more sturdy wire used to make 1/2" hardware cloth.

 

[Matejka]

I have 1/2x1/2xinch on coop then I overlaid it and wrapped 2x4in welded wire. 48 inches up on all sides.

 

[perkolator]

I'd imagine 1/2" would be sufficient unless it's a freshly hatched snake. I killed a baby rattlesnake on my property last year around this time and it didn't have any buttons yet - I doubt it could have passed through 1/2" HC....and if it did, it would have some hungry chickens on the other side that would probably freak out for a few minutes, then fight one another to get a piece of it

 

[animalcraker]

The problem with 1/4" hardware cloth to keep out even very small snakes is that the thinner wire used to make this material is less proof against other predators than the more sturdy wire used to make 1/2" hardware cloth.

Agreed, but I’ve also seen plenty of photos from the aftermath of a dog or coyote going through the 1/2”. So the assumed added strength of the 1/2” is kinda moot if a large predator is determined. You really have to weigh out your individual situation and predator risk. For me personally rattlesnakes and rodents are a huge risk and we have the occasional Coyote. We’re covered our entire coops in 1/4” and will be putting a much thicker 2-4” panels 6ft up the perimeter walls on top of the 1/4”.

 

[neo71665]

The problem with 1/4" hardware cloth to keep out even very small snakes is that the thinner wire used to make this material is less proof against other predators than the more sturdy wire used to make 1/2" hardware cloth.

That, any snake small enough to fit in 1/2 inch hole my chooks make a quick meal out of. I have pygmy rattlers around here and canebrakes. The pygmy are annoying but at least the canebrakes are good fried up.