Best Wire to use

[stevetone]

I just checked amazon and the hardware cloth is $58 on there and at my local Home Depot and lowes its around $45.

I found that my local sources and Amazon prices were similar, but that Amazon roll was twice as long. YMMV.

 

[maryhysong]

I have never heard nor experienced a squirrel chewing through 1/2" hardware cloth, nor a rat. Are we talking about the same thing, 19 gauge welded wire? Have you actually seen this happen?

This would be a new one for me. But that's not so unusual...

EDIT: After looking at your hoophouse in your blog (again, it's nice!), you mention that it is covered with chicken wire, which is not hardware cloth. Is that the stuff you are referring to as not being predator proof? If so, I agree.

Thank you. I don't know about the guage but the ordinary hardware cloth like they sell at Ace Hardware. Rats and squirrels can get through it over time and dogs EASILY can BITE through it. The chicken wire on my hoop coop is solely to keep the chickens in. The concrete reinforcing wire is to keep dogs out. and I may add some electric fence around it just to be safe.

 

[macgeoghagen]

My chicken fence consists of welded wire with 2"x4" holes 4 feet high, the bottom few inches buried, and poultry netting with 1.5 inch holes tied to it along the ground. The top is mostly open with a tarp at one corner for shade and rain. I don't have any problems with squirrels or birds mingling with the chickens. The roosters would tear them apart(and have, on occasion).

 

[chickenkeeper12]

My chicken fence consists of welded wire with 2"x4" holes 4 feet high, the bottom few inches buried, and poultry netting with 1.5 inch holes tied to it along the ground. The top is mostly open with a tarp at one corner for shade and rain. I don't have any problems with squirrels or birds mingling with the chickens. The roosters would tear them apart(and have, on occasion).

I like the fact that the rooster will kill the little critters inside. What breed of roo do you have.

 

[macgeoghagen]

Black copper marans

 

[Trefoil]

Wayfair has the best price I've found on hardware cloth.

 

[settingdusk]

My chickens eat bees.....