Hardware cloth vs. Harware Cloth + Welded Wire

I have seen domestic dogs paw through 1/2" hardware cloth on rabbit cages.

 

Is the hardware cloth underground or sitting up so that something could try to get thru. I have 2 x 4 welded wire on my run It is buried 2 feet in the ground. I use chickenwire on the inside of the run about 2 foot around the bottom. I live adjacent to a wildlife management area and have all kinds of predators including bobcats. So far (3 years) this has worked without mishap. My coop attached to these runs is also built down into the ground 2 feet It has metal sides so nothing can get in. I dont think raccoons and skunks can into the hardware cloth but I could be wrong. My rabbit hutches have hardware cloth bottoms and sit 4 feet off the ground without any problems.

 

What gauge is the hardware cloth, and what's the wire spacing?

 

Use both.

 

All hardware cloth is welded wire, but not all welded wire is hardware cloth. Welded wire comes in many configurations and gauges. Hardware cloth is generally understood to mean 1/2 x 1/2 inch welded wire.

UGCM

 

if you want something that nearly nothing but a ticked off bear would get threw I would use chain link dog fencing with hardware cloth layered over.

 

I guess the big question is, if a predator DID get under the coop, what could it do from there? If the under-the-coop area is part of the run, and a predator getting under there would then have free unimpeded access to a lot of chicken dinner, I'd either add 2x4 wire or just make sure the hardware cloth is really well attached (lots of wood backing it up, etc). But if the only reason to fence off the underneath area is to prevent critters from taking up residence there, or using it as a base camp to try to pry or gnaw their way in from below, I dont see it as being such a big deal, assuming you will keep a general eye out for any signs of enemy activity, so to speak.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat