Quote:
So -- chicken wire, hardware cloth, hog wire -- ack! That's a lot of metal. (looks around for CR)
Chicken wire -- is braided, the openings are hex shaped, it is easily pulled apart by animals that have paws or hands. It will not withstand much weight. It is normally used to confine your chickens, or deny them access. Buried, it can be a deterrent to animals that might dig under a fence or wall. This is the least expensive of the wires. I only use it to contain/deny.
Hardware cloth - is welded and has square openings. Most folks use 1/2" openings as 1" will allow for a raccoon to reach in and eat your bird one handful at a time. Too many folks on the Predators forum have reported this happening for it to be 100% conjecture. It is the most expensive of the 'wires'. I use this for windows/doors and other openings that will be exposed at night. If I am constructing a predator secure run, I will use this wire on the first 24" (ground up) to guard against the above mentioned reach-through diet. The rest of the run I'd use either chicken wire or hog wire.
Hog wire - welded, pretty thick wire (CR can tell us the gauge) usually 2"x4" openings. This stuff is pretty sturdy. I use it and short PVC lengths to quickly put up a temporary run. It is often buried as a digging deterrent, and works better than chicken wire at this task.
I buy my wire online at csnstores.com, shipping is often free and the prices are very good. (I also buy 100' rolls)
All that said --- when I build coops I don't use OSB as the flooring. I use plywood. I feel that OSB is more susceptible to moisture absorption than plywood, and it's moisture that you want to avoid. I suggest 3/4" plywood as your flooring. If that's more than you want to spend, then stay with plywood, as thick as you can. I use OSB as the rest of the sheeting on the coops I build. Plywood or OSB, be sure to give it a good coat or two of paint. I like latex because it is easy to clean up and is non-toxic when dry. Consider vinyl flooring, call the stores and ask if they have scraps. It is water proof, and easy to clean. Most have a mild texture so they are not too slippery for young chicks.
Lots of folks (me included) give their wire different names. I know people who have no clue what I mean when I say "hog wire" and their idea of chicken wire is what I call hardware cloth, and my chicken wire is their stucco wire.
Dave
PS - I don't put wire under my floors -- but I also keep my coops at least 2' off the ground. You should too
