Chicken Run/Hardware Cloth Question

[jreardon1918]

We bought 2' x 100' rolls. We ran it vertically. That allowed us to continue it out to form an apron. It had worked well.

 

[Cryss]

This is what I use wrapped horizontally around my area.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Acorn-I...4-ft-x-50-ft-Hardware-Cloth-HC24850/300180179

 

[aart]

I meant vertically. as in, 4' wide hardware cloth will be run up the wall, so less cutting. I just don't know how to speak

I hear ya! Plan sounds good.

We bought 2' x 100' rolls. We ran it vertically. That allowed us to continue it out to form an apron. It had worked well.

Will work with @dalcombright's 4' too.
I did the same with my 6' 2x4 fencing on run....which I don't think I have pics of.
ETA Oh, I do..(sorry for all the editing):

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[earth_toes]

Following this! Any reason to use 1/4" weave vs 1/2" weave? Other than the obvious critters that may be able to reach through the opening (snakes can do weird things apparently). Decisions .. decisions and coop will be going up this weekend! Last purchase for the build is the cloth.

 

[aart]

Following this! Any reason to use 1/4" weave vs 1/2" weave? Other than the obvious critters that may be able to reach through the opening (snakes can do weird things apparently). Decisions .. decisions and coop will be going up this weekend! Last purchase for the build is the cloth.

Nothing can 'reach' thru 1/2" HC...tiny snakes and mice might get thru.
Overall 1/2" is tougher stuff than 1/4" due to heavier wire gauge.

 

[earth_toes]

Nothing can 'reach' thru 1/2" HC...tiny snakes and mice might get thru.
Overall 1/2" is tougher stuff than 1/4" due to heavier wire gauge.

Thank you!!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Following this! Any reason to use 1/4" weave vs 1/2" weave? Other than the obvious critters that may be able to reach through the opening (snakes can do weird things apparently). Decisions .. decisions and coop will be going up this weekend! Last purchase for the build is the cloth.

Gauge is an important factor, the heavier (smaller number) the better. In spite of what you may read on here, a large dog or other large predator can tear hardware cloth if it can get a grip on it. The heavier gauge is harder to tear but the 1/4" openings may make it harder for the critter to get a grip. It's probably a trade-off though watch how it is connected. Loose pieces of wire weave may give a critter a place to grab with their teeth. That's one reason I cover the ends of hardware cloth with furring strips instead of using fender washers and screws.

1/2" hardware cloth should keep out any snakes big enough to eat eggs or baby chicks though some of those snakes may still be too big for a chicken to eat. Any snake that gets through 1/4" wire will be additional protein.

I tend to use 1/2" wire, I think it is stiffer and goes on flatter, without as many sags though I think the wire being "tight" can be overrated. Tight shows good workmanship but I don't see any drop in functionality. Both 1/4 and 1/2 can cut you when you are cutting it if you are not careful. I use tin snips and 1/4" may be a bit easier to cut, partly because it is not as stiff. If you want to feed treats through the wire, say you've found a bug or berry they might like, that can be easier to get through 1/2".

There are benefits to both of them. I consider either to be a good choice.

 

[earth_toes]

Gauge is an important factor, the heavier (smaller number) the better. In spite of what you may read on here, a large dog or other large predator can tear hardware cloth if it can get a grip on it. The heavier gauge is harder to tear but the 1/4" openings may make it harder for the critter to get a grip. It's probably a trade-off though watch how it is connected. Loose pieces of wire weave may give a critter a place to grab with their teeth. That's one reason I cover the ends of hardware cloth with furring strips instead of using fender washers and screws.

1/2" hardware cloth should keep out any snakes big enough to eat eggs or baby chicks though some of those snakes may still be too big for a chicken to eat. Any snake that gets through 1/4" wire will be additional protein.

I tend to use 1/2" wire, I think it is stiffer and goes on flatter, without as many sags though I think the wire being "tight" can be overrated. Tight shows good workmanship but I don't see any drop in functionality. Both 1/4 and 1/2 can cut you when you are cutting it if you are not careful. I use tin snips and 1/4" may be a bit easier to cut, partly because it is not as stiff. If you want to feed treats through the wire, say you've found a bug or berry they might like, that can be easier to get through 1/2".

There are benefits to both of them. I consider either to be a good choice.

Thank you so very much, I absolutely love being a part of BYC, such a wealth of knowledgeable information from experience

 

[Cryss]

Following this! Any reason to use 1/4" weave vs 1/2" weave? Other than the obvious critters that may be able to reach through the opening (snakes can do weird things apparently). Decisions .. decisions and coop will be going up this weekend! Last purchase for the build is the cloth.

1/4 inch is very thin gauge wire, can be ripped. I removed some I was using and replaced it with 1/2 inch. The 1/4 was already rusting and tearing. 1/2 inch is a thicker gauge. 1/2 inch hardware cloth is your friend. Use it everywhere.

Nothing can 'reach' thru 1/2" HC...tiny snakes and mice might get thru.
Overall 1/2" is tougher stuff than 1/4" due to heavier wire gauge.

Thank you so very much, I absolutely love being a part of BYC, such a wealth of knowledgeable information from experience

 

[Cryss]

OS. Forgot the rest!
@aart said the same thing as me basically.

BYC is definatly the place for chicken knowledge. It's saved my bacon so many times!
(I was gonna say 'saved my eggs' but that left room for far too many weird thoughts)