Sharp hardware cloth

[elmo]

You can buy plastic or metal liners that fit over and cover the cut edge of the hardware cloth. Just about any place that sells wire cage making supplies should have them.

For example:

http://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=75

and

http://www.klubertanz.com/Catalog.htm

go to the section with cage parts, then the door frames and liners page, and scroll down.

You can also fold duct tape over the edge.

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I always sandwich the hardware cloth or chicken wire between two pieces of wood. Whether it's trim or another 2x4 or whatever the situation calls for, I don't allow any loose, pokey ends. I'm really picky about stuff like that.

 

[Hen_House_Rocks!]

I bent mine over and hammered into the wood in most instances. In a few spots, I used a file and smoothed out the sharp edges.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Funny story.

I had been working on one of my coops when I tripped over the wire when my dog and chickens got under my feet. Ended up scratching the heck out of one arm and my leg. Clean it up and don't think anything else about it.

2 days later at work the school resource officer comes to me because someone has reported that they think I am being abused at home. WHAT??!! He asks to see my arm and leg. I bust out laughing. I point out to him the the scratches are exactly 1/2 inch a part. I even told him I would bring him a piece of the wire if he didn't believe me.

It got dropped, lol.