hardware wire vs. chicken wire

[MelodyGraulich]

I know everyone recommends using hardware wire, but I have been having trouble finding it in big rolls and, as everyone knows, it's very expensive. Meanwhile, the "poultry wire" I find seems much higher grade, with finer mesh, than the old-fashioned kind, and it's cheaper. What are folks's thoughts on using that. Or could I use 3 foot hardware wire for underground and the first 2 feet of wall, and then use poultry wire for the rest. Finally, i plan to wire the top of the run. Could i use the poultry wire for that?

thanks for all the help you all have already given me.

 

[teach1rusl]

Yes, if you could use the hardware cloth on the lower 24" that would really help w/prevention. Have your priced welded wire? It's much stronger than chicken wire (although hardware cloth would still be recommended for the lower 24". And many people cover the tops of their runs in chicken wire, even when they have something stronger around the sides.

 

[Black Creek Poultry]

In our open range pens, we use the "deer cloth" it is found at Lowes or any other type hardware store. It is very affordable, lasts for about 2-3 yrs. and is easily disposed of. It has a very fine knitting to it and is very flexible.
John

 

[Black Creek Poultry]

For the lower parts of the pens, we bury all wire about 6" and then we use a 1" chicken wire that is PVC coated for the first 2' then lay the 2" x 4" welded wire on top of the for added security. Then we finish of the top with the "deer cloth".
John