is hardware cloth alone stable enough for run sides?

[Rushdoggie]

So we are going to build a small run 8x4 to attach to the coop (which is inside a designated area that's fenced in and will have netting) so my 3 chickens can walk outside a bit when confined. The plan is to make a wooden frame and then cover it with hardware cloth, a locking gate and bury the wire down into the ground to prevent anything digging in.

I got to thinking, for a run 3' high that's 4x8, is the hardware cloth sturdy enough to be the walls? or do I need some kind of stronger framing or wire fencing behind it?

 

[EggWalrus]

Hardware cloth is some tough strong stuff. It should be just fine no larger than the run will be.

 

[The Phantom]

1/2 inch is pretty strong. One inch is more sloppy

 

[tripletfeb]

1/2 inch would make great walls as long as you staple it to wood for a frame. Here is a picture of my coop and run. Run walls are 1/2 inch hardware cloth and are holding up wonderfully! I would suggest stapling the hardware cloth to the inside, not wrapping it around the wood frame. Smaller sections would be more stable

 

[PotatoHead]

Staple it and then add some 1” #12 pan head wood screws with fender washers for extra strength.

 

[Chad Oftedal]

Agree with what others have been saying about the stapling. I used 1 1/2” SS staples on my run with 16 gauge hardware cloth. I have detailed info on My Coop page - scroll down to The Run section if you’re interested.

 

[k2panman]

Curving the HC will make it much stronger and will keep its shape. Of course this my not fit in your design.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "stable"? You can stretch any wire mesh, no matter how flexible, to look pretty good but you may need to know some techniques. Some are harder to work with than others.

I find hardware cloth to be pretty easy to stretch and get tight, easier than a lot of other wire mesh. If appearance and anti-sag is what you mean, you should be happier with hardware cloth than most other mesh fencing.

 

[aart]

I got to thinking, for a run 3' high that's 4x8, is the hardware cloth sturdy enough to be the walls? or do I need some kind of stronger framing or wire fencing behind it?

A 3' span should be fine as long as edges of HC are securely fastened to framing, using screws/washers or pneumatically drive staples at least 1 1/2" long.

What I wonder tho...a 3' high run might be troublesome if you need access into it to retrieve a stubborn or injured bird....or eggs. Maybe it'll have a top that opens?

 

[snow5164]

Agreed , for a 3-4 foot span attached with washers and screws, (staples pull out)it’s good just add a post and keep going .

1/2 inch and I bigger