Hardware Cloth Size and Guage Choice Dilemma

[Devorah]

We have both so I can compare, although I think I paid for extra heavy guage of 1/2" hardware cloth. The 1/4" is NOT heavy enough IMHO to alone keep out predators. We have extra stalls in our barn, but did not want to totally get rid of them, so we chose to predator proof them. I had hubby cover the outside bars of the stall and over the top with the 1/2" hardware cloth. NOTHING is getting through it if you secure it with screws and washers. I know a 200# man can stand on the ceiling and not get in. But there were some gaps between the boards that I was afraid mice or snakes would be able to get through. I loathe snakes and we have a LOT of them in Missouri, and some of the really can climb, so he lined the inside with the 1/4". It worked well for that purpose. I would use it again over the inside of windows that were covered with 1/2" wire on the outside of a coop.

So you would recommend using the 1/4” for covering little holes on the walls of the coop (which is in our barn)? I plan on using 1/2” for reinforcing the run.

 

[dcduck]

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!

 

[dcduck]

I was reading a reply about you burying the hardware cloth around the run. I did just that as well. I saw signs of something digging a few nights and I then decided to get some concrete mix and make a boarder along the ground. It’s about 6-8 inches wide all around the run. My run is 6 ft x 18ft. I just mixed it in my wheelbarrow. I did see many scratches for a few days in front of the concrete. It’s been 2 yrs and haven’t seen anything since. So I get you going above. I’m a person that tries to do it as best as I can as to not have to do it again. I do have a fishing net (very cheap to buy) over a fenced area I let them free range to keep hawks away. We have a ton of them going after even little dogs. The building continues to tAke away natural home areas for the wildlife and they are going after any food they see.

 

[addctd2plnts]

So you would recommend using the 1/4” for covering little holes on the walls of the coop (which is in our barn)? I plan on using 1/2” for reinforcing the run.

I use the 1/4" for areas that are already reinforced already with 1/2" or over cracks that a snake could get in. It's definately not enough to keep out a determined predator by itself. I like to use the 1/2" on the outside of a window and the 1/4" on the inside. If you only buy one, buy the 1/2 inch and secure it with screws and washers.

 

[DG65]

We did a concrete foundation on our run. Lots of diggers around here.

 

[Chzikken]

I have wire fencing on the outside and bottom 4' with HD cloth on inside. My area is full of bobcats and raccoons.