***URGENT*** What should I do???

[Guitartists]

Ok... so here's what happened. I ordered a 1/2" 60"x150' roll of hardware cloth for my run. The run that will house the chickens that actually live at my FIL's place and I am not there each day to let them out and put them back. We are planning on moving back out there and assuming the mortgage (hopefully before the end of the year - but no guarantees) so until then they need a solid safe run that they can come and go from as they please with minimal predator worries... hence the 1/2 inch hardware cloth for the entire run. I've already spent the money to get it and it is ALL that is in my budget. The predators out there don't really come close because he has so many dogs and cats that come and go as they please.

They (TSC) called me today and informed me that the 1/2" hardware cloth is ACTUALLY 1" Galvanized hex wire (chicken wire???) still 60"x150'. They want to know if I want a refund or if I want the hex wire. I only paid like $75 (I think they messed up and are trying to cover THEIR butts by offering me a less expensive item. Soooooooooo..... what should I do? I don't think (actually I know... I called around) I can get near enough hardware cloth anywhere else for that price. So, should I just take the hex-wire and keep my fingers crossed??? They couldn't give me a guage on it

I have to call tomorrow morning and tell them what I want to do.

 

[blue fire]

Is one inch too big?

 

[rooster-red]

Get a refund and go elsewhere to get actual hardware cloth.

Hex wire is made to keep chickens in, and will not keep predators out.

 

[Guitartists]

Well, I have heard said that if a hot dog can fit through it... so can a weasel. I've never seen a weasel at his dad's... but we do have them in MI. And, it's large enough for a coon to stick it's hand through

 

[Dilly]

It is my understanding that hardware cloth comes in 2 - 3- 4 foot heights, and 100 foot rolls, Anything else is not going to be hardware cloth.

Sorry this happened. The price should of been a kicker you were ordering the wrong wire.

I would not use the chicken wire. Why risk loosing your birds. If you cannot find hardware cloth, next best thing would be 2x2 welded wire lined with chicken wire.

 

[Solsken Farm]

What if you got some hardware cloth for the first 4 feet off the ground and used the hex wire for the rest of the way up and the tops? I just paid 53 dollars for chicken wire for 150 feet. Just a thought.

Good luck!

 

[azelgin]

I pay $28 a roll for 36" x 150' x 1" hex stucco netting, so $75 a roll for 60" x 150' doesn't sound so great to me. I'd take my money and keep shopping.

 

[Guitartists]

Yeah, I asked the lady 3 times to verify the item, the description AND the price........ she said all times that it was what I needed. It was even printed up on the receipt as such.

This is SOOOOOOO frustrating!

 

[GallowayFarms]

ya that is "chicken wire", i just googled it. that is why they can't give you a gauge for it.

and to me it sounds like someone sold you the wrong stuff for that price and they are trying to fix it like you said. I mean if there are dogs guarding it the chicken wire should be fine for a fix at the moment.

But ya. I would def not take it if you don't feel safe using it.

Good Luck

Nick

 

[patandchickens]

Well bummer. I think you are probably right in your explanation

I wouldn't trust chickenwire very far, unfortunately. If dogs are in the yard 24/7 I agree that will reduce the risk from other predators, BUT if one of the dogs should decide to make a go for the chickens, it has a fair chance of ripping thru typical chickenwire. At which point, game over.

If it were me, I think I'd tell them thanks but no thanks, then go buy 2x4 welded wire fencing to do the entire run including the roof, plus enough 3' tall 1/2" chickenwire (or even, if you are very hard up on the budget, the plasticky mesh stuff that some poeple mistakenly call chickenwire) to double up on the lower 3' of the run. (And replace the latter with hardwarecloth as soon as I could afford it).

If you can't afford an entire run's worth, I'd build the run smaller for now. You can always get rid of some chickens if you absolutely have to, but it may be that some additional scroungeable or craigslist-ish materials may come your way.

Best of luck,

Pat