Double up hardware cloth?

[australorpia]

Hello all. I am almost done building the coop and attached run and it all has 1/4" HC all around. I saw the biggest racoon not long ago, and after reading around and seeing how even the staples can cut it, I'm starting to wonder that won't be strong enough against a determined raccoon. I have one side that is 6" from the neighbor's chainlinked fence and the other sides I can get to easily. Do you think that I can perhaps double up with 1/2" HC with 3' foot high to provide extra security? I also used 1-5/8" deck screws with large washers to secure the HC in addition to T50 9/16" long staples.

 

[WIchickMama]

Can't hurt but what you have is likely ok
.

 

[australorpia]

I'm also thinking of attaching solar security lights that are quite bright and we already use one for around the house and has been pretty good. I'm thinking as long as it's mounted below the window, the lights won't disturb the chickens too much.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you want to double up I'd go with bigger, thicker wire, like a 2x4" welded wire or chain link or hog panels, something like that. 1/4" HWC can exclude small things but the bigger wire fence would give it a bit of extra strength to support it.

 

[saysfaa]

I'm also thinking of attaching solar security lights that are quite bright and we already use one for around the house and has been pretty good. I'm thinking as long as it's mounted below the window, the lights won't disturb the chickens too much.

Predictable lights do very little to dissuade wildlife, especially raccoons. They may learn to keep to shadows somewhat IF people are around enough to teach them they are less likely to be bothered/threatened by people in the shadows. Predictable being either steady lights or motion detectors.

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, 1/4" hardware cloth is made from a weaker wire. It is great for excluding rodents, but raccoons and other stronger predators can go through it.

Adding a layer of stronger wire is a good idea.

 

[NatJ]

If you want to double up I'd go with bigger, thicker wire, like a 2x4" welded wire

I would also do something like this.

The 1/4" hardware cloth will keep the raccoon's hands out, and the stronger wire (with bigger holes) will keep the rest of him out, along with dogs or other bigger animals. And if the bigger wire is over the hardware cloth, it will help keep the raccoon from ripping big holes in the hardware cloth.

 

[David61]

I used 1/2 hw cloth with no issues of coons/ opossums. I also used 3/4 electric staples and screws/washers.
The biggest help was that i covered all of it with dog eared fence boards. It gave a nice trimmed out look but its primary job is to cover the hw cloth so it can not be pulled at. The fence boards were cheap treated wood with a wide suface aera. couldn't get any better for the job.

 

[australorpia]

Thanks to all. I found this welded wire at HD:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-ft-x-50-ft-14-Gauge-Welded-Wire-308302EB/205960856

Reviews on the wire aren't convincing though, as the welds are broken before even unrolled.

So, when coons attack is it during mostly nights, so I guess they'd be ok if they're already inside the coop since I have the Ador door. If they do go for it, would they be able to climb the 1/4" HC, or would they just try to attack on the lower portion where they can utilize all of their body mechanics? I'm thinking if I were to do this welded wire it would be bottom up.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, when coons attack is it during mostly nights, so I guess they'd be ok if they're already inside the coop since I have the Ador door. If they do go for it, would they be able to climb the 1/4" HC, or would they just try to attack on the lower portion where they can utilize all of their body mechanics? I'm thinking if I were to do this welded wire it would be bottom up.

If raccoons try to get in while the chickens are locked in the coop for the night... they'll possibly try to pull off some wire here and there, then, since the chickens aren't actually around to be attacked, they'd go find an easier meal.

But if you don't want to use welded wire all over the run, yes it would make more sense to have it around the bottom vs top down, as most predators you're fending off with it are ground bound or coming up off the ground.