Hardware cloth versus chicken wire

[nao57]

So I've got a new question on the old argument of hardware cloth versus chicken wire.

But I have a new twist to it... so here goes...

Hardware cloth in my area is way more expensive than chicken wire. The same roll of hardware cloth to cover a good sized area of chicken ware fencing...gosh I forgot the exact figures but I'm guessing it was like four times as much...something like that.

And I had read the previous threads where people were told hardware cloth will keep out predators but chicken wire won't.

BUT what if you double layered the chicken ware and bound the links of the chicken wire together to make it stronger?

I get that this would take more time. And it would require going into the details but it seems like if you doubled up the layers, then it might work then? What do you think?

I mean...if hardware cloth is 4 or 5 times the cost of chicken wire stuff, then it could be possible to double, or even triple it and then secure it together with zip ties and still safe a bit of money right?

 

[Duckee]

Predators are pros at breaking & entry. They got through my doubled chicken wire by continously working on the same spot over time. I didnt notice it because the doubled wire added inconsistency in pattern, so my eyes didnt spot the hole. I lost 4 chicks to feral cats in a backyard completely enclosed by a 6 ft solid fence, run completely enclosed in chicken wire, and still had a hard time finding their entrance point in the chicken wire.
Hardware cloth is much thicker non-plyable material with tiny squares. It is also easy to spot a discrepancy in the pattern. Therfore much more secure.

 

[LaFleche]

Chicken wire will not keep predators out, only chickens in.

As the saying goes: Buy cheap, buy at least twice....

And in your case you would have to add the costs of the lost chickens plus the costs for acquiring new ones plus the heartache etc.

 

[DobieLover]

Doubling down on cheap, weak fencing is not going to make it strong. Chicken wire is garbage and has no place in a predator proof barrier.
You can go cheap but it's only a matter of time before you will pay for that decision with the lives of your chickens.

 

[melandstacy29]

So I've got a new question on the old argument of hardware cloth versus chicken wire.

But I have a new twist to it... so here goes...

Hardware cloth in my area is way more expensive than chicken wire. The same roll of hardware cloth to cover a good sized area of chicken ware fencing...gosh I forgot the exact figures but I'm guessing it was like four times as much...something like that.

And I had read the previous threads where people were told hardware cloth will keep out predators but chicken wire won't.

BUT what if you double layered the chicken ware and bound the links of the chicken wire together to make it stronger?

I get that this would take more time. And it would require going into the details but it seems like if you doubled up the layers, then it might work then? What do you think?

I mean...if hardware cloth is 4 or 5 times the cost of chicken wire stuff, then it could be possible to double, or even triple it and then secure it together with zip ties and still safe a bit of money right?

 

[melandstacy29]

We have 8 chicken coops/ houses. We will never use chicken wire again. Our coops with hardware cloth have lasted much better with keeping rodents out and preditors . Worth the extra money

 

[melandstacy29]

Predators are pros at breaking & entry. They got through my doubled chicken wire by continously working on the same spot over time. I didnt notice it because the doubled wire added inconsistency in pattern, so my eyes didnt spot the hole. I lost 4 chicks to feral cats in a backyard completely enclosed by a 6 ft solid fence, run completely enclosed in chicken wire, and still had a hard time finding their entrance point in the chicken wire.
Hardware cloth is much thicker non-plyable material with tiny squares. It is also easy to spot a discrepancy in the pattern. Therfore much more secure.

I agree. Worth the extra money to keep them secure

 

[Callender Girl]

It IS tempting to try to avoid the expense of hardware cloth, but it's heartbreaking to lose birds.

 

[centrarchid]

I am one that does use chicken wire successfully. Most of the time I use it to overlay 2" x 4" welded wire fencing. The weak point in my setting has been the low quality welded wire. Both the welded wire and chicken wire come in different strengths, just as the hardware cloth does. If I were to use the hardware cloth, then I would concentrate its use within a foot of the ground where it can block weasels that bother me most. Otherwise have yet another perimeter that obstructs things like raccoons, opossums and foxes that will actually attempt to chew through or pounce on fencing to break through.

I have used doubling approach in barn as response to raccoons trying to break into pens holding broody hens with chicks. In the end, the chicken wire slows the raccoons down, other means are better used to simply keep the raccoons away. I have also had raccoons and opossums chew through hardware cloth, so even it is vulnerable.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I am one who does not have hardware cloth except on my windows. I have used many different materials over the years & have dog kennels & welded wire right now. I lost one chicken from inside the fence when I was using plastic garden fence one year out of 27 years. I am not advocating going this route, just saying it depends on your tolerance for loss. My chickens have an automatic door & are locked in the coop over night. YMMV