CHICKEN WIRE OR HARDWARE CLOTH FENCE???

[t-dawg]

Which one is better???

i need to know because my chicks are coming soon ,and i'm building their coop, so i can't decide which one is better; i've read sooooooo many posts on this topic, but none seem to help.

So people, i need answers!!!!!!

 

[arlee453]

If you've read a lot of posts on the subject, then surely you've noticed that chicken wire is the MOST commonly breached type of wire when someone is lamenting that XYZ predator got into their coop. There was one one here already today where someones own dogs ripped through chicken wire like butter.

Chicken wire is good to keep chickens in, not predators out.

So, if you want to keep predators out, choose another type of wire for your run.

Hardware cloth is good for ground level, or to super protect chickens from small paw-ed animals like racoons and possum from grabbing through the wire - use it for sure near anywhere they will be sleeping to prevent this problem, or where you will have baby chicks out.

2"x3" welded fencing is pretty good, cheaper wire to use for large runs where dogs/foxes/coyotes are a problem.

And don't forget to cover the run for maximum protection to keep away the birds of prey.

 

[pips&peeps]

hardware cloth

Lots of predators and birds can wiggle through chicken wire.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Arlee453 must get awfully tired of typing the same answer to the same question so many times. But she's right, so listen to her. Thank goodness she takes the time to do so.

 

[dixygirl]

You should never make a pen out of chicken wire. Use welded wire. Hardware cloth IS a welded wire with small spacing. If you used the cheaper welded wire with the larger openings put something with smaller openings on the bottom along with the welded wire to prevent paws and heads from coming through. That could be the hardware cloth on the bottom or you could add chicken wire on the bottom. Only along with a stronger welded wire. Never try to make a run out of chicken wire alone unless you don't mind losing all your chickens and starting over.

 

[absinor]

So is 1 inch welded wire ok? Or better to have 1/2 or smaller for the run?

I will use the smallest for any opening on the coop and underneath.

Thanks for answering this again and again.

 

[Solsken Farm]

1/2 inch is way better, because it keeps out raccoons, snakes etc. Raccoons and weasels and such will stick their hands through, grab a chicken and literally pull it apart and eat it through an opening. I am sorry to be so graphic.