Hardware Cloth

[TheRealDelia]

I'm planning to use hardware cloth for my coop and run and I'm just looking for any tips or useful information that some of you may have.

So far, I plan to use all ¼in. hardware cloth on the coop. This will definitely be going over windows, the summer doors, open vents, and depending on the final build, may end up being wrapped around the base of the coop to deter burrowing and gnawing predators.

My run will be fully walk-in size for us humans, and enclosed on all sides, including the top, with hardware cloth.

Ideally I would also like to use ¼in hardware cloth on the entire run as well if I can get my hands on enough of it.

I know I'll use ¼ (coated) for the buried skirting around it, and at least the bottom 3 feet of the run walls.

I'm debating (and again, also depending on availability of materials as well) on if I will use ¼ or ½ in on the remaining upper 3.5-ish feet of the run walls, and on the roof.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance, I know this community will have some solid feedback for me!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I used 1/4” hardware cloth everywhere. If you are already using it and it is available I would use if for everything. L
Depending on your weather, it keeps most snow and rain out and most mosquitoes.

 

[Ted Brown]

There is a significant difference in size/strength between 1/4" 23 gauge vs 1/2" 19 gauge HC. 19 gauge is .036 inches diameter, 23 gauge is .023 inches diameter so ~64.% of 19 gauge. As a practical example a racoon is able to break through 23 gauge but not 19.

In choosing HC one should define the predators/pest they want to deter. Obviously 1/4" will deter some smaller pests that 1/2" will not; while there is some debate research says the 1/2" (12.7mm) will deter adult mice.

Also remember that thinner wire will deteriorate more quickly so replacement will be required soon.

Most references on BYC seem to use 1/2" HC.

 

[21hens-incharge]

When securing hardware cloth it helps to use a pneumatic stapler then add 1x2 boards over that. It prevents staples from becoming loose as well as preventing critters from pulling the wire loose.

 

[etherwalker]

I'm planning to use hardware cloth for my coop and run and I'm just looking for any tips or useful information that some of you may have.

I just finished my second coop/run, using 1/2" hardware cloth. After installing the first couple pieces I really wondered if there was a good way to get it installed without bending everywhere. This strategy worked really well for me, using a pneumatic stapler. I only wish those first couple pieces weren't right in the front, because the rest turned out really well.

 

[JCaseyHammond]

I'm planning to use hardware cloth for my coop and run and I'm just looking for any tips or useful information that some of you may have.

So far, I plan to use all ¼in. hardware cloth on the coop. This will definitely be going over windows, the summer doors, open vents, and depending on the final build, may end up being wrapped around the base of the coop to deter burrowing and gnawing predators.

My run will be fully walk-in size for us humans, and enclosed on all sides, including the top, with hardware cloth.

Ideally I would also like to use ¼in hardware cloth on the entire run as well if I can get my hands on enough of it.

I know I'll use ¼ (coated) for the buried skirting around it, and at least the bottom 3 feet of the run walls.

I'm debating (and again, also depending on availability of materials as well) on if I will use ¼ or ½ in on the remaining upper 3.5-ish feet of the run walls, and on the roof.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance, I know this community will have some solid feedback for me!

Hi TheRealDelia and
19 gauge 1/2 inch hardware cloth is what some pet rat keepers over on YouTube recommend for keeping rats in cages. So I thought it might work as well for keeping rats out of coops

 

[Chickenman MAN]

I'd assume 1/2 inch would be fine. Nice that you remembered about the buried skirt!
Not only that but 1/2 inch should be cheaper too. We used a staple gun (but it was eh) I'd recommend a proper staple gun, one of the big ones. Or, cable clips, these worked well for us.

 

[Ted Brown]

How to attach HC IMHO is a long term vs short term decision.

I acknowledge that the use of a power stapler is quick and less expensive (NOT a big consideration considering total costs) when installing. However, at some point you are going to have to remove replace/reconfigure (2nd year in and I have already expanded/re-configured my run space).

Then the tables turn. At the recommendation of several folks on this forum I used 1" screws with washers to attach my HC. Removing these is far simpler/easier than any staple, assuming one has a power driver. Screws are also far stronger than any staple even with trim board.

Not a huge deal but worth thinking about.

 

[jreardon1918]

How to attach HC IMHO is a long term vs short term decision.

I acknowledge that the use of a power stapler is quick and less expensive (NOT a big consideration considering total costs) when installing. However, at some point you are going to have to remove replace/reconfigure (2nd year in and I have already expanded/re-configured my run space).

Then the tables turn. At the recommendation of several folks on this forum I used 1" screws with washers to attach my HC. Removing these is far simpler/easier than any staple, assuming one has a power driver. Screws are also far stronger than any staple even with trim board.

Not a huge deal but worth thinking about.

I second this suggestion. We are planning a major reconfiguration of the run. Screws and large washers would have been easier to remove.

 

[deldeer]

Hello, I deal with Wildlife with work, and 1/4 will not keep raccoons, skunks or Fox out, I'd use 1/2" minimum. I've never had a dig through on 1/2" on people's homes. 1/4" is what we use for bats.