Chicken wire or hardware cloth

[bostonam]

I have started building my coop this weekend. I went to pick up the chicken wire, which was much cheaper than 1/4 inch hardware cloth and had some questions for the experienced members. Which one is better? What size hardware cloth? What do you think?

 

[MrSelf Destruct]

I used 1/4" hardware cloth on windows and vents on the actual coop. When I first built the run, I used a roll of chicken wire that my neighbor had laying around in his backyard. I then decided to get hardware cloth and put it on the run as well. I just left the chicken wire on there and installed the hardware cloth on top of it. Chicken wire is good for keeping chickens in, not keeping predators out.

 

[acemario]

I would say that if you aren't worried about predators, chicken wire is fine. But go look at the construction stucco wire before you buy the roll of chicken wire. It is the sme thing but the construction wire is thicker, taller, and easier to handle. And cheaper!!!

I would put chicken wire on the run, but hardware wire on openings to the coop. Most predators will try to get your flock during the night, so if they are especially protected then, the better. But as in all things, it really depends on your risk aversion and personal situation.

 

[Folly's place]

Bantam chicks will walk through 1" chicken wire; not good. Any respectable predator will get through chicken wire with no problem; you have no idea how many chicken eating critters are out there ! At least make your coop safe; the run could be chicken wire with 1'x2' or 1'x4' wire over it, as long as the birds are locked in their coop every night. Hardware cloth, well attached, over every opening, is the only way. Mary

 

[bostonam]

In a conversation today, two other families said they used 2x4 welded wire. It looks like it would be ok to keep the adults in but what about the predators?