Tip for painting hardware cloth....

[leight54]

I'm painting mine so it blends in with the surroundings a bit more. The coop and run will be in the shade.

Yeah, I don't think I'll be able to keep my hens a secret from the next-door neighbor, but hopefully beyond that. How far do "cluck-clucks" travel?

PS I'll only have 2 hens.

 

[elmo]

You can also buy vinyl coated wire. It's a bit more expensive, but the vinyl coating helps to protect the wire underneath and give it a longer life, too.

 

[DiamondSwan]

Check this out. There's a little more involved to get paint to stick to galvanized metal.

https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/painting/how-to-paint-galvanized-metal.htm

I'm thinking of using some Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Gloss Protective Enamel Spray Paint (which comes in different colors) as well as a primer, after going through the procedures before painting galvanized hardware cloth. I'm going to be making a bird cage for my dove and cockatiels. I'm definitely going to play it safe and let the paint dry for a few weeks then wipe it all down.

Also, make sure to wear protective gear, and definitely don't use this stuff in the house or near animals. It's very toxic before it drys completely.
Make sure to do your own research first to make sure the paint you use is safe. I read this about Rust-Oleum: https://www.beautyofbirds.com/refinishingcages.html