hardware cloth alone??

[mediazeal]

I have a 3 sided coop with 2x4s at 16"
the 'open' end of the coop has hardware cloth stapled to the 2x4's
hog rings to hold the overlaps of the hardware cloth tight in the middle (at 3.5 to 4 ft up)
There are trim boards along the bottom of the hardware cloth over the staples and trim boards on the two sides where it connects to the enclosed area with the trim on top of the staples.

Is hardware cloth strong enough alone? or do I need to add a layer of horse panel or something?

thanks

 

[joedie]

HC should be fine by itself IMO

 

[patandchickens]

It's not a matter of how strong the mesh is (it's plenty strong) -- but you do have to make sure it is sufficiently supported by wood.

If you don't have a wooden top rail, installing one (and then attaching the run fencing tightly to it) will help a LOT with rigidity.

Over very long spans it is sometimes necessary to have additional wood (posts, 'studs', or horizontal braces, as suits the situation) to back up the hardware cloth, for extra stiffness and to take some of the potential strain (from a predator) off your seams and edges.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[mediazeal]

excellent, thanks folks