Tell Me All Your Hardware Cloth Secrets

[Ext 918]

Our run is made of tubing! We just used cable ties/ zip ties.
There's probably something much better to use, but we figured that since we used so many, any predator would have to spend the rest of his life picking away at them to get in.

I had pretty much accepted that as my fate. I was hoping for a miracle.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Just popping in to say this was a great thread, and I'm glad it's been featured!

 

[PLW]

- I never know who’s new to the term “fender washers.” I sure was.

When we built our run, we also started with hammered-in staples. Never again! By the time we were attaching the HWC apron around the base (to be covered in mulch), we knew better.

In this picture from March, the fender washers (and screws) are attached in an alternate pattern along the bottom trim of the run. And we used impact drivers for the screws. About 30 seconds per attach point.
View attachment 4209756

Helpful image, thanks!

 

[akroberts1085]

I went with the 2 feet high and 25 ft long. The reason was because I was doing the work alone. I only use zip ties because it's the best method for securing the hwc. I would really love to be able to build the coop and run that I can only see in my mind but someday I will be able to get there.

 

[BDutch]

Our run is made of tubing! We just used cable ties/ zip ties.
There's probably something much better to use, but we figured that since we used so many, any predator would have to spend the rest of his life picking away at them to get in.

The zip ties deteriorate quickly. They are all kind off worthless at the same time.

My main run is made from the tubes of a party (gazebo) tent. The parts all glued with strong glue for outside use. I only used nylon rope to attach the hwc and strong (bird of prey) netting. To my surprise it still stands after 10 years.

When we build it we made ditches so the party tent with 30 cm hwc could stop predators.who tried to dig underneath. This year the hwc rusted through where it touched the ground.

This is how it looks after 10+ years.

When we started to keep chickens we never realised these creatures are such good company that we still enjoy having chickens It was never meant to use it permanently.

 

[PrettyBirdRocky]

Half of my run is held together with zipties. They also function as extra hands as you work. I'll ziptie something together with little cheap ones while I finish getting it in place. I'll waste a little ziptie to make my job easier!

Lol pretty sure half of ours is held with zip ties. I use so many of them. And haven't had to replace many unless I'm adding on somewhere. Then screws and washers. I have plans of adding more HWC to keep out flying rats (i hate sparrows)

And my adventures in HWC aren't great as I do a lot by myself and when I get help it's more headache, soon love my crew, and they were awesome helping me HWC the new expansion but next one will be done differently lol just not sure how haha

 

[RoseHawke]

Anyone have tips for attaching this material to aluminum tubing? Sometime soon, I'll have to replace the spiderwebs, mislabeled as chicken wire that came with the pre fab I purchased.

I did the same as Omelette-in-progress, but I didn't use regular plastic zips, instead I used stainless-steel ones. I can at least be sure that the UV won't affect them. I did purchase an applicator tool (like this,) to tighten and clip the ends off, but it can be done with just pliers and a pair of snips of some sort. The tool was just faster and more convenient.

 

[Omelette-in-progress]

I did the same as Omelette-in-progress, but I didn't use regular plastic zips, instead I used stainless-steel ones. I can at least be sure that the UV won't affect them. I did purchase an applicator tool (like this,) to tighten and clip the ends off, but it can be done with just pliers and a pair of snips of some sort. The tool was just faster and more convenient.

Hrmmm, I've just done some more research and am going to replace mine with stainless steel ones now. This is going to take a while...