Reconsider Effectiveness of Hardware Cloth

[OlMcDeeDeehadafarmEIEIO]

I have a problem with opossums, whats a good dog to keep those away?

 

[Primo]

The short answer is any dog that you are willing to spend the time and resources training. And dogs are expensive to keep. If opposums were my problem, I would surround my coop and run with 3 strand electric offset 20". First wire 6" high, next 6" above that and third 12" above that. This can all be done for a little over $100. Dog will cost you that in feed alone the first 3 or 4 months. Just food for thought

 

[MeepBeep]

Yeah, hardware cloth is not a bullet proof solution, but it's a whole lot more of a deterrent vs poultry mesh...

And the tighter weaves like 1/4" and 1/8" are much stronger as it's much harder for critters to get their teeth and/or claws/fingers into the openings... Not to mention there is more actual strands of wires to get through to open the same size hole...

They also sell heavier gauge hardware cloths, but it's harder to find and costly...

Another option is to use two layers or one layer of 1/2" hardware cloth with another layer of say 1x1 welded fence cloth over it...

 

[123RedBeard]

While hardware cloth is good, it is only a layer ... We had same trouble with the floors of rabbit hutches and dogs ... While it is close together (we used 1/2") the wire is much smaller/thinner diameter and the welds are not as strong as could be on heavier gauge wire (smaller number) backing up the 1/2" hardware cloth with 1"X1" like this 14 gauge ... Helps http://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-after/galvanized-after-weld-14-gauge

Compared to the normal hardware cloth gauge of 19 or thinner (like 23 or 27!) ... https://wireclothman.com/hardware_cloth.html

Here is 1/2" X 1/2" 16 gauge ... http://store.valentineinc.com/1x116gaall10.html

And for real heavy duty 1"X1" ... 12.5 gauge ... http://store.valentineinc.com/1x1125gauge.html

As said ... Multiple layers works best ... Rugged wire to slow down critter while either discourages from entry, or allows time for dogs to arrive, or human with 12 gauge shotgun!

ETA - For those who don't understand wire sizes ... http://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/7...e-Gauges-Used-In-Welded-Woven-Wire-Mesh-Fence

 

[centrarchid]

Gauge and weave need to be considered. Not simply hardware cloth.

 

[123RedBeard]

Gauge and weave need to be considered. Not simply hardware cloth.

Exactly!

Thinner wire not only breaks easier, but the welded junction can not be as strong ... As the thicker wire (smaller gauge number) Obviously 1/4" is stronger than 1/2" spaced hardware cloth of the same gauge, as it has more welds holding it together ... Also harder to get a tooth or nail in to pull against it.

 

[Blooie]

I have repeatedly told folks asking about predator proofing this same thing: I don't think there's any such thing as a predator proof setup. The moment I start believing there is, and start relying just on the protections I have put into place, it becomes easy to get complacent and that's when accidents happen. Layering is great - I have layered my set up too. Those pictures you shared were remarkable - and I've read enough of your posts to know that you take everything about caring for your birds very seriously. Complacency is not something anyone could ever say about you, centrarchid. So what I'm saying here applies to those out there who feel secure because they've taken such strong measures to keep their birds safe and rely entirely on those measures.

Once a decision is made on how best to protect against predators, the plan gets put into action. Strong wire fences. Electric netting. Hardware cloth. Aprons and trenches. Tricky latches. Dogs. That's a good start. Then it needs to be followed up with diligence - checking for weak spots, looking for tiny holes or gaps that you didn't see before, small rips or claw marks that indicate a predator has tried to get in, weeds or grasses growing and coming into contact with the electric netting....and taking care of those things you find right away. Listen to your birds....if they are fussing at a time when they are normally quiet, don't just sit there and wonder about it, get out there and check them.

The common advice is to build your coop and run like Fort Knox. I say even Fort Knox is guarded and constantly monitored. Look at these pictures.....if it can happen in centrarchid's setup, as strongly as it was built, it can happen in mine or yours.

 

[aart]

Images below of pen serving as roost placed on perimeter of property. Culprit ID not known for sure but I suspect it is a raccoon. Tail end of this likely two nights ago when dogs got into something that escaped to northwest (trailer court) where dogs cannot go.

Critter challenged hardware cloth from below rather than the much weaker poultry netting about 9 inches higher up. Likely because of convenient perch while trying to get in. Predator damaged itself leaving blood and scratch marks on wood. I can not tell if it chewed or tore through with hands, likely both used.

Yikes!!
Yeah, 19ga 1/2" HC isn't that strong once they can get a tooth inserted.
That's why installing it tautly and with edges covered or very well attached is critical....
...but obviously not fool proof as shown here.

Did you lose the inhabitants of this breached enclosure?

 

[centrarchid]

No losses. Birds were moved to another location once breach noticed. Breach currently covered with plywood. I will look around for heavier hardware cloth to create patch and for subsequent pen construction. About six more pens needed so this is already expensive.

 

[RonP]

My run, roof, and skirt were originally covered in 2x3 inch fencing only.

Thought it was secure enough for the predators in the area.

Wrong..

1/2 hardware cloth wrapping the lower 2 feet of run stopped the prying little hands (racoons).

Once completed, all signs of attack stopped...including fox...