What type of hardware cloth for run?

[Devorah]

Attach that to an automatic pulley system and you got something that will scare off anything in the woods AND neighborhood kids!

Really I’m serious! Just have to figure out how to set up Google in the barn. Ha!

 

[Devorah]

I have in the past, but the coop I am using now is built on a cement slab.

Ahhh … my coop is in a barn so I was thinking of securing the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Typical 1/2" hardware cloth is thicker wire than 1/4". IF small mice are an issue then 1/4" is what you'd need, otherwise go for 1/2".

To deter a bear you'd need electric fencing.

 

[aart]

Typical 1/2" hardware cloth is thicker wire than 1/4".

Yes. 1/2" is typically 19ga, 1/4" is typically 23ga.

Much can depend on how you attach it.
Best it be flat and taut and screwed to framing set at spacing that matches HC width.

 

[Devorah]

Yes. 1/2" is typically 19ga, 1/4" is typically 23ga.

Much can depend on how you attach it.
Best it be flat and taut and screwed to framing set at spacing that matches HC width.

Thanks! So it sounds like 1/2” is stronger than the 1/4” … I’m so new at this! I thought that 1/4” referred to the size of the weave. Am I wrong?

 

[aart]

I thought that 1/4” referred to the size of the weave. Am I wrong?

1/4" is the spacing of the wire which creates the size of the holes.
The 'ga' stands for gauge which is the diameter of the wires.

 

[Devorah]

1/4" is the spacing of the wire which creates the size of the holes.
The 'ga' stands for gauge which is the diameter of the wires.

Yes. I guess my question is if there is less spacing with the 1/4” but the gauge or strength of the cloth is less than with a 1/2”, which provides greater protection?

 

[aart]

Yes. I guess my question is if there is less spacing with the 1/4” but the gauge or strength of the cloth is less than with a 1/2”, which provides greater protection?

The 1/2" does, with it's thicker wire.

 

[BigECart]

So I thought I bought 1/4” stainless. Went back and looked at my Amazon order and it was 1/2”, 19 gage, galvanized. It’s performed great, going on 9 years. I was worried about the galvanized with salt water, but I guess stainless was too pricey.

 

[Wendy Bee]

We used 1/2 inch, 19 gauge, black coated hardware cloth. It costs a bit more, but allows you to see inside/outside the coop/run easily. I guess it's because light isn't reflected.

We really like it - we can look from the house and see inside the run. It does need a good brush off with a broom 2 or 3 times per year - it does get dusty, lol!

We bought ours at Academy Fence Company. I tried the link to the product at their site, but it seems to be down. They still come up in a search, though. May be just an internet glitch presently. Here's the link if you want to try it:

https://www.academyfence.com/welded...sh/vinyl-coated/1/2in-x-1/2in-19-gauge-black/