Hardware cloth, not chicken wire, is what you want to make your coop out of if you have predators around. Chicken wire can literally be ripped apart by racoons, hardware cloth is much strunger and sturdier and nothings paws can reach in through it. It's definitely the way to go if you don't want lots of heart ache.
I also found some hardware cloth at Home Depot that is coated (some sort of green rubber I guess). It is a little nicer for covering coop windows (especially on some of these Poultry Mansions I see on BYC). It might also be a little nicer for those who use it as the flooring in their brooders (easier on chick feet).
It also makes a good screen for sifting compost...attach to a frame, fit over cart or wheelbarrow, shovel compost on top and work small bits through. Put the too-big stuff back in pile.