What type of hardware cloth for run?

[Devorah]

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.

I may be adding wires outside the paddock anyhow … thanks!

 

[Devorah]

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/

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That’s a lovely home there!

 

[DavidReaves]

I thought I'd posted a different discussion about wire, but I don't see it. An alternative to 1/2" hardware cloth is 1/2" x 1" welded wire. It's only a little bit more expensive than hardware cloth, but it is much stronger 16ga vs 19ga or even 23ga on the hardware cloth. That can make a difference if you have a dog or other canid attack. It's still small enough to block predators. It's a little harder to cut but seems like it would be ideal. I used it a lot in the past for rabbit cages. It does a better job clearing manure while providing good support for rabbit feet. I plan to use it for the sidewalls of the chicken tractor I'm about to build.

 

[addctd2plnts]

I plan on reinforcing the run/coop I inherited by installing 1/4 “ hardware cloth around the run (it already has chicken wire, but definitely needs something stronger with smaller holes). What gauge hardware cloth would you recommend?

I would go with 1/2" hardware cloth because it is much heavier gauge. I have both the 1/2" and 1/4". The 1/4 I used on the inside of areas that already had the 1/2" or boards with gaps less than 1/2" wide. I did it to keep snakes and mice out, but it isn't strong enough to keep out a raccoon and neither is chicken wire. You can also get a heavier gauge 1/2" hardware cloth than the commonly sold one. I think the normal gauge is about 19 gauge but I bought 14 gauge. NOTHING is getting through it if it is secured with screws and washers.

 

[Devorah]

I would go with 1/2" hardware cloth because it is much heavier gauge. I have both the 1/2" and 1/4". The 1/4 I used on the inside of areas that already had the 1/2" or boards with gaps less than 1/2" wide. I did it to keep snakes and mice out, but it isn't strong enough to keep out a raccoon and neither is chicken wire. You can also get a heavier gauge 1/2" hardware cloth than the commonly sold one. I think the normal gauge is about 19 gauge but I bought 14 gauge. NOTHING is getting through it if it is secured with screws and washers.

Thank you very much! I already have the 1/2” and will be reinforcing the entire run with it. There have been so many good ideas here … Is your hardware cloth on the inside or outside of the run?

 

[aart]

I thought I'd posted a different discussion about wire, but I don't see it. An alternative to 1/2" hardware cloth is 1/2" x 1" welded wire. It's only a little bit more expensive than hardware cloth, but it is much stronger 16ga vs 19ga or even 23ga on the hardware cloth.

Very good point....but I think most 1/2 x 1 is 14ga.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Half-inch hardware cloth will do for just about everything except cock roaches. I didn't know it came in different gauges. The thickness and quality of the galvanizing does vary by price and manufacturer.

1/2 inch hardware cloth everything!!! Lol. There chickens, now you are safe! I think a bear could take it down tho.

 

[rosemarythyme]

1/2 inch hardware cloth everything!!! Lol. There chickens, now you are safe! I think a bear could take it down tho.

A determined bear can go through almost anything, including solid wood. Luckily the bears in my area are pretty darn lazy (they go for easy things like bird feeders, dog bowls outside, etc) and tolerated because of that.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

A determined bear can go through almost anything, including solid wood. Luckily the bears in my area are pretty darn lazy (they go for easy things like bird feeders, dog bowls outside, etc) and tolerated because of that.

I had a nightmare of 2 bears standing, pushing at my hardware cloth run walls! So scary!