What's the most protective wire/mesh for a coop?

[Brianna245]

Hi, new chicken owner here! I am re-doing my hay shed into a chicken coop. The door has a large window with just a plastic mesh covering It, it's easily tearable and in my area we have a big weasel problem and I know many fellow chicken owners who have lost chicken before do to them, I've been doing research on materials and I like the sound of hardware clothe, but I would love any advise or suggestions of what would be the best. Thanks

 

[snow5164]

Hardware cloth is stronger the smaller the holes , 1/2 inch is good for me but not you ,

You need the smallest holes you can afford because weasels can slink threw a very small hole , thankfully I don’t have them here

 

[Brianna245]

Hardware cloth is stronger the smaller the holes , 1/2 inch is good for me but not you ,

You need the smallest holes you can afford because weasels can slink threw a very small hole , thankfully I don’t have them here

I know right, they are such a pain. Thanks for the advise! I will try to find the smallest holes possible.

 

[The Phantom]

I know right, they are such a pain. Thanks for the advise! I will try to find the smallest holes possible.

If you want kinda like a screen you could use 1/4” or 1/8 inch backed with 1/2” for strength.

 

[RavenTree]

Hardware cloth is stronger the smaller the holes , 1/2 inch is good for me but not you ,

You need the smallest holes you can afford because weasels can slink threw a very small hole , thankfully I don’t have them here

I use 1/4" hardware cloth I have alot of snakes I have to worry about.

 

[Brianna245]

If you want kinda like a screen you could use 1/4” or 1/8 inch backed with 1/2” for strength.

That sounds like it would really work for my set up. Thanks for the advise! Very helpful.

 

[Brianna245]

I use 1/4" hardware cloth I have alot of snakes I have to worry about.

That sounds like the right size to me. thanks for the advise, it's very helpful!

 

[The Phantom]

That sounds like it would really work for my set up. Thanks for the advise! Very helpful.

 

[aart]

1/2" HC should do for weasels...make sure it is well attached(screws and washers are best IMO) at least 2 squares away from edges of mesh and flat/taut.

Smaller mesh is not necessary and the wire is actually weaker and thus easier to break if a tooth or claw is inserted.

 

[Molpet]

I use 1/2" HWC and weasels are around me too.. see my avatar