Hardware Cloth Size and Guage Choice Dilemma

[GaDawgChic]

We are working on getting our first chicken coop built for our new ISA Brown chicks and I have a question about the hardware cloth. We live in Coastal GA and will be completely enclosing our coop and run to keep predators out. We have the possibility of raccoons, possums, hawks, owls, rats, mice, etc.. getting in and we want to keep them all out! I'm debating on the 1/4" or 1/2" Hardware Cloth. My questions are:

Is the 1/2" large enough for these predators to get in or is that size still effective?
- I would prefer to use this size because the gauge is lower (19 gauge) than 1/4" (23 gauge).

Is the 1/4" strong enough?
- I ask this because the gauge seems to be a little more flimsy than I would like (23 gauge)

What would you go with if it were your coop in my area, the 1/4" (23 gauge) or the 1/2" (19 gauge)?

Thank you so much for any advice you could offer!

 

[DobieLover]

I use 1/2" and nothing has ever gotten in my setup.
I read one post here about a dog running right through a wall of 1/4".
I deal with all the same predators you do as well as coyote, fox, Fisher cats, bobcats and black bears.

 

[GaDawgChic]

I use 1/2" and nothing has ever gotten in my setup.
I read one post here about a dog running right through a wall of 1/4".
I deal with all the same predators you do as well as coyote, fox, Fisher cats, bobcats and black bears.

Oh thank you so much for this response! I have been told the 1/4" (23 gauge) *should not* be too flimsy but my gut is just saying it's a little too flimsy for my liking.

We are first-time chicken owners and I am finding that a lot of seasoned veterans just kinda shrug it off if a predator gets a chicken. I know it could happen, but I am going to do everything I can to keep that from happening. In fact, I plan on laying wire down in the bottom of the run and covering it with fill dirt right off the bat instead of hoping nothing digs under. I'm also burying the hardware cloth about 8-12" in the ground on the outside as well. We plan to take the best care of our little ladies. People look at me and say "that stuff is expensive and you're spending a lot of money you might not need to spend." I want to look at them and say "Ummm thanks for your opinion, but I care about my ladies living their best life without the fear of being eaten and being protected as best as I can!" I may have turned into the crazy chicken lady already!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Is the 1/2" large enough for these predators to get in or is that size still effective?

1/2 inch is best and preferred (when installed properly) for the reason you already note, and YES effective also against weasels, dogs, fox, coyote, snakes, in addition to those you mentioned.. maybe not bear.. then an added hot wire would be good support.


Hope you are enjoying BYC!

 

[aart]

I read one post here about a dog running right through a wall of 1/4".

Have seen one 1/2" HC wall get torn up by a dog, but it's rare.
Make sure the HC is flat/taut(no waviness or buckling that they could get a tooth into) and attached securely to solid framework. Screws and large washers are best, set at least in the second row of holes from edge of HC.

 

[GaDawgChic]

1/2 inch is best and preferred (when installed properly) for the reason you already note, and YES effective also against weasels, dogs, fox, coyote, snakes, in addition to those you mentioned.. maybe not bear.. then an added hot wire would be good support.


Hope you are enjoying BYC!

Some folks around here have started seeing some coyotes for sure and maybe a fox or two. None have been seen in my neighborhood, but some of the other areas that are close to the water for sure have. We live on an island but we are inland on the island. Snakes are a fear of mine too, but I figure those are going to get in if they are small enough to get through anywhere. I am absolutely loving BYC so far! All of my questions get researched in the forums here before anywhere else. Most of the time there is no need to research anywhere else!

Have seen one 1/2" HC wall get torn up by a dog, but it's rare.
Make sure the HC is flat/taut(no waviness or buckling that they could get a tooth into) and attached securely to solid framework. Screws and large washers are best, set at least in the second row of holes from edge of HC.

WOW! That had to be a pretty determined and good-sized dog! I think me seeing so many using the 1/4" and it kinda being a little wavy between the posts is what really made me uneasy. I want it to be TIGHT against the posts! I may be having control issues over this coop but I'm sorry not sorry about that! HA! We have to watch hurricanes the entire season here so I want this to be as sturdy and predator proof as possible from the get go!

 

[DobieLover]

Have seen one 1/2" HC wall get torn up by a dog, but it's rare.

I bet it wasn't tight, properly supported and/or attached.

 

[GaDawgChic]

Screws and large washers are best, set at least in the second row of holes from edge of HC.

Are you referring to picking one of the squares, putting a washer between the screw and the cloth, and then screwing it to the post? I have seen that done on a few videos I have watched and I was planning on researching that next!

 

[pinewoodacres]

I have 1/4” on my chick tractor which has them sleeping on the ground and 1/2” on my coop where they are roosting.

I figure the older birds can fend off anything small that’s getting through the 1/2” holes. I even have some gaps that are closer to an inch on the coop but they’re not sleeping in the areas where raccoons could reach a hand/arm in.

I brood my chicks outside from day one but they’re in a large bin with pine shavings (inside the tractor) for a week or two. They’re a tad less vulnerable when I have them sleeping without the protection of the bin. Conceivably an animal could chew through the finer gauge mesh but I’ve had no issues. I have two outside cats that may be helping with rodent issues but I can’t be sure of that.

We have hawks also and our run is open but again, no issues. The roosters do a good job of watching the skies and seem mostly afraid of butterflies and crows. Lol The crows keep the hawks from nesting in the area.

Lots of considerations but I think the finer mesh is fine for younger birds who aren’t roosting yet since it will keep the mice out and whatnot. The thicker gauge stuff with larger holes is good for older birds off the ground.

 

[aart]

I bet it wasn't tight, properly supported and/or attached.

It was torn in the middle of a span, it was such a mess it was hard to tell if there had been a buckle.
maybe @Ridgerunner has a link to the post, I can't seem to find it.

Are you referring to picking one of the squares, putting a washer between the screw and the cloth, and then screwing it to the post?

Yes, but don't attach right at the edge of HC, go inward to the second hole.