Chicken Wire is really Expensive! Any suggestions?

[Iheart'scovies]

This is my first time building a coop, and I was surprised at how expensive it is!!

Does anyone have suggestions for alternate materials or where to get it cheaper than $30 a roll at Lowes?

Tried Craigslist already--- no one offering, but about 10 listings for people looking! So, no luck there!

Thank you!!

 

[ksct]

I can't tell you for sure... other than, I would suggest using some hardware cloth (much stronger and smaller holes) becuase as they say, chicken wire is meant to keep chickens in, does nothing for keeping things out.....

I would imagine hardware cloth is probably more expensive, I'm not sure though... check around for pricing, which i'm sure you're doing.... hope you can find some! good luck!

 

[RocketDad]

Hardware cloth is even more expensive, and that's what you should use for the run to keep carnivores out. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, but hungry quadrupeds will open it up like a bag of Doritos.

Even more expensive than good wire? Buying the kids/spouse ice cream to soothe the pain of massive flock loss, followed by new chicks and replacing the "expensive" chicken wire with heavier stuff.

I was surprised how expensive chicken wire is, too. My run is an aviary style cage 7' high. I used chicken wire all around, and all across the roof to keep out the occasional raptor that comes into town. I'm using a mix of hardware cloth and welded wire fencing across the bottom section to reinforce the chicken wire.

 

[dacjohns]

It all depends on how much you value your chickens.

Chicken wire is for keeping chickens in. It will keep very few predators out. You need something much stronger to keep the predators out and you need to take into consideration the predators found in your area. Snakes, weasels, mice, and other small critters can get through 1 inch holes. Dogs, coyotes, and larger can tear through 1/2 inch hardware cloth. You need overhead protection from hawks.

It ain't easy and it ain't cheap.

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Chicken wire is the least exspensive!!!! I was supprised on the prices too!

I am having to go with chicken wire and hope for the best possible protection,

but we don't have alot of predators around were I live!

 

[T.E.R.]

This sounds a little tacky but the blue bread trays that the grocery stores use work great around the bottom buried in the ground about 8 inches

 

[dacjohns]

Quote:
Upstate as in Upstate New York?

 

[Iheart'scovies]

Well, I plan to bite the bullet and pay whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Right now I just have 3 adult muscovies that will be staying in there-- but they are my babies and I would die if anything ever happened to them!

With that in mind, do you think it is okay to use netting on the top instead of HW cloth or wire? We do have hawks (probably too small to hurt a 'scovie, though) No badgers, wolves, coyotes but snakes are probable.

What about squirrels? Does anyone have trouble with them? Not as 'predators' per-say, but egg stealers? coop destruction?

BTW, meant to add that this would be for the 'run' portion where they will be permitted only during daylight. there is also a 'house' portion into which they can be closed at night.

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Quote:
Upstate as in Upstate New York?

No, lol Upstate of S.C.!

 

[ranchhand]

I use a chainlink 10 x 10 dog run, with wire over the top. I had a little gap in the wire in the top and a possum got it by climbing up. Better to spend now and not pay later. The bottom is wrapped with hardware cloth to keep the smaller devils out. (Chickens okay, I shot the possum. Hated to do it.) It was a big expense, but worth it.

T.E.R. :

This sounds a little tacky but the blue bread trays that the grocery stores use work great around the bottom buried in the ground about 8 inches

And very likely to get you a big fine for stealing property from the bread company. Same with milk crates, soda bottle flats, you name it. It all belongs to the manufacturer/supplier. Most stores have cameras out back now to prevent it.​