Hardware cloth, 1/4 or 1/2 inch for run, roof and windows and tools?

[wannabchick]

Which one ..I found 100 foot rolls , but I don't know which size?
Also which Gage should I be looking for

What to purchase to connect the hardware cloth to the kennel?
For durability, need to order those too

And what tools should I have on hand for connecting the hardware to the kennels and attaching it?

If any of you know any suppliers please include link, will be ordering next week

Thank u all

 

[elmo]

One problem I've found with the 1/4" wire spacing is that it's usually a very high gauge...23 or so. That's very thin wire. I like to use at 19 gauge at most, and I buy that in the 1/2" by 1/2" spacing from these nice folks:

http://www.wadavidson.com/

I use the vinyl coated, galvanized after weld (GAW) wire for my runs. Now, for my coop windows and vents I wanted something more secure, so I bought 16 gauge, 1/2" by 1/2" GAW welded wire. That's some tough stuff! It's more expensive, of course, but for the smaller area I needed to cover, I felt it was worth paying more to get the extra security of a thicker wire.

If you have a particular area you're trying to keep mice out of, though, the 1/4" wire spacing will do the trick for that.

 

[Newbie in Screamer Al]

I just built my run with 2x4 galv. wire. It is bullet proof. Dig about 9 inches down the walls, and out a foot, then bury it. You can see my tread with pics as I went. I did my roof on the run with it also. My run is 12x25, and I am very happy with the outcome. P.M. me if you can't find the tread. Good luck..

 

[elmo]

Newbie in Screamer Al, :

I just built my run with 2x4 galv. wire. It is bullet proof. Dig about 9 inches down the walls, and out a foot, then bury it. You can see my tread with pics as I went. I did my roof on the run with it also. My run is 12x25, and I am very happy with the outcome. P.M. me if you can't find the tread. Good luck..

Wire with openings as large as that (2" by 4") leaves chickens vulnerable to "reach through" predation. That's when a predator scares the chickens into piling up in the corner of the pen and reaches through, grabs a bird, and pulls pieces of it out through the wire. It's ghastly. To stop this risk, you can wrap the bottom two or three feet of the run with something solid or something that has smaller openings, say, not more than 1/2" by 1/2". Also pay attention to blocking off the wire anyplace a roost comes close to the edge. I have read folks on the dove forum we belong to having doves grabbed through 1/2" by 1" wire!

If you don't want to dig a trench and bury wire, it's also effective to attach a wire apron to the base of your run and extend it outwards flat on the ground for 2 feet or so, then stake it down with landscaping staples or anchor it with bricks or rocks. Works well, and is very easy, too.​

 

[wannabchick]

Quote:
And thank u for the link..best price so far I found

And that's what I needed to know
Do you know what I should purchase to connect the wire to the kennel and what tools ..so I can add this on my honey to do list?

Thank u

 

[wannabchick]

Newbie in Screamer Al, :

I just built my run with 2x4 galv. wire. It is bullet proof. Dig about 9 inches down the walls, and out a foot, then bury it. You can see my tread with pics as I went. I did my roof on the run with it also. My run is 12x25, and I am very happy with the outcome. P.M. me if you can't find the tread. Good luck..

Sure send me the link, I would love to check out your run

Thanks​

 

[elmo]

Quote:
What's the kennel made of?

When I attach wire to a wood frame, I use screws and washers larger than the opening size. If I'm attaching wire to wire (splicing) I use these loxit rings and use the special pliers made for them:

http://www.randallburkey.com/PKG-1-LB-LOXIT-RINGS-OB/productinfo/6001/

 

[Newbie in Screamer Al]

Here is the thread with some pics. "A few NEW pics of our work in progress........" And elmo is right about getting chickens "pieced" thru wider wire. But I went the 2x4 anyway. If that happens to me I will redo whatever I have to. Good luck...https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=448029

 

[wannabchick]

Quote:
What's the kennel made of?

When I attach wire to a wood frame, I use screws and washers larger than the opening size. If I'm attaching wire to wire (splicing) I use these loxit rings and use the special pliers made for them:



http://www.randallburkey.com/PKG-1-LB-LOXIT-RINGS-OB/productinfo/6001/

Metal kennel

Then I will run wood length wise across the top and add hardware..

 

[THINGUM]

There is an old fashion hardware store near my home that has hot galvanized fence staples, they're knarly. sized about right to wrap around the end of your little finger and 1" in length. It's what they use on barbed wire. If attaching to metal, just take an example from a chain link fence. #9 wire is extremely tough and hard to work with, I prefer #18 "tie wire" lasts forever, easy to work with and can be used "turnbuckle" fashion.

Two things are sure, 1. -- this project won't just fall together, and #2 -- it very well may just fall apart! Steve Rielly