What size wire??

[PattyNH]

1/4 inch hardware cloth is athinner gauge wire than the 1/2 inch hardware cloth. That's probably why 1/2 inch seems to be the standard for safety. Anything bigger has the potential for being breached by critters.

That's a really good point. I thought the 1/4" I bough was 20g so not a huge difference from the 1/2" 19g I have, but I just checked and the 1/4" is 23g. I wonder how big of a difference that will make. I check it every couple days and haven't seen signs of chewing but will keep an eye on it. If needed I'll reinforce it with 1/2". Thanks!!

 

[Folly's place]

For raccoons and dogs, who are possibly your worst chewers, adding 2"x4" woven wire fencing works well. It's too big for the smaller predators, but good for the big ones (except bears!).
Mary

 

[Molpet]

I have weasels (see avatar to the left), .. up to coyotes and bobcats
I have 1/2" hardware cloth covered by 2x4 field fencing (see my coop to the left)
So far the only thing in the coop, when the door is shut, are shrews.. the chickens don't like to eat them.