Hardware cloth suggestions?

[CRSelvey]

Hello.

We are building our first coop and run next week and I have done so much reading but it may have been too much! Everything says that I should use the Galvanized Hardware cloth if we live in an area with a lot of predators (which we do). My question is this, Should I use the 1/2" or the 1/4"? The half inch obviously has the larger holes, but it is also a stronger gage wire. Anyone have an opinion on this? We live in the woods next to a creek. We know we have Raccoons, Chipmunks, Rat Snakes, Mink (although I've never seen one), Opossums, Bald Eagles, etc...Also, if you know of a good online place to buy it? Home Depot and Lowe's were much more expensive than Amazon and our local hardware store doesn't even carry it longer than 10' rolls.

 

[yyz0yyz0]

My suggestion would be to use the 1/2" size mostly for the heavier gauge material.

As far as places to purchase I have narrowed it down to Amazon as one of the better prices especially if you can get the item with Free shipping. Other places that I have found with lower prices kill you on shipping.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I've been looking at hardware cloth for a few days. Amazon and wayfare.com have almost identical price and both have free shipping. Home Depot and Lowe's were identical, almost twice the price of Amazon and Wayfare.

I just order this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mat-Midwest-3...000XFY40O/ref=cm_sw_em_r_asp_xfJNF.1KFGE4A_tt

 

[cosbackyard]

I use 1/2 inch because the 1/4 inch stuff is too flimsy to stand up to raccoons. Ordered multiple times from amazon. Gotta love free shipping.

 

[chickadee101]

actually, what i would do, is at the bottom of all the walls in your coop, put 2 by 4s across. that way racoons, foxes, etc. won't be able to pull a chicken's head or whatnot through the gaps in the wire. it depends on what the style of the coop is...

 

[CRSelvey]

Thank you all for your information. This is the design that we are using for inspiration https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/hcarlsonlewiss-chicken-coop. We will have to make some modifications for our yard and size, but the overall concept is the same. I like the ideas of blocking around the bottom. I was thinking of planting very thorny bushes in gardens around the base as well, but I'm not sure it will help.