Should I keep or return hardware cloth?

[citychicks99]

I'm trying to keep mice and rats out so I thought 1/4" would be better than 1/2" but as I'm reading around the forum, I'm learning that 1/2" is actually stronger. I did not know that. I already ordered two rolls of hardware cloth and they're on their way. One is 1/4" 36" x 100' 23 gauge, and the other is 1/4" 48"x100' also 23 gauge. I was going to use these as anti-dig aprons and run fencing. I wanted to work on this project this weekend. Will these work or should I return them and get 1/2" at 19 gauge? I think that's what I currently have, they were sitting around for the last two years and a small part of it already came apart.

 

[DobieLover]

I would get the 1/2" HC. What you've ordered is very weak. The 1/2" will keep out mice and rats.

 

[citychicks99]

I would get the 1/2" HC. What you've ordered is very weak. The 1/2" will keep out mice and rats.

Can I use the 1/4" for anything else? I was thinking of building them a run that is partially covered and covering the top part with hardware cloth. Would the 1/4" work for that or is it still too weak?

 

[Bananabread]

I would return. For the price it all costs, not worth being annoyed and questioning the expensive decision until the end of time

 

[Saveria]

Can I use the 1/4" for anything else? I was thinking of building them a run that is partially covered and covering the top part with hardware cloth. Would the 1/4" work for that or is it still too weak?

You probably wouldn't want it for anything to do with the chickens. I wouldn't trust it to keep predators out.

 

[Sally PB]

I, too, got a roll of 1/4" HWC when I first had chickens, thinking it would be more secure. I'd already opened and cut into it when I realized I wanted 1/2" so I used it in a different way. I put it over my 2x3 welded wire fence, and also stapled it over some openings.

It would have been too expensive to ship back, so, it was lesson learned.

 

[perkolator]

I would likely return it, or sell it elsewhere if they want to charge to return. 1/4" would not be good to bury as a skirt, it would rot away too quickly being thinner gauge. On walls, the tighter weave will catch more dust/debris and look dirtier faster. The only place I can see keeping it for, would be as a lower wall skirt laminated over a stronger fencing (chain link, welded wire, etc) where it's not being relied on for the strength. Would also be good for overhead vents where not many predators can get to - but not 200ft of it. Best price I found was online, but I decided to just pay $10 more at a local farm supply to support local and also because I knew it wouldn't have been mangled in the shipping process

 

[rosemarythyme]

If this is strictly for mice and rats only, 1/4" should still do the job. Because the wire is thinner it's not ideal against larger predators.

 

[NatJ]

The 1/2" will keep out mice and rats.

A small, young mouse can sometimes go through 1/2" hardware cloth. I have personally watched it happen. The 1/2" holes do seem small enough to stop adult mice.

 

[DobieLover]

A small, young mouse can sometimes go through 1/2" hardware cloth. I have personally watched it happen. The 1/2" holes do seem small enough to stop adult mice.

A small young mouse would make a nice snack.