Mia Patel
Chicken wire and hardware cloth are both wire meshes used to cover chicken troughs and protect chicks. Chicken wire is made from twisted steel wires with hexagonal openings, while hardware cloth consists of woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular pattern. Chicken wire is commonly used to confine chickens to a specific area, but it is not effective at preventing predators from reaching them. On the other hand, hardware cloth is made from stronger gauge metal and provides better protection against predators such as raccoons, dogs, and hawks. It is recommended to use hardware cloth for windows and vents in chicken coops and to bury it underground to deter digging predators.
What You'll Learn
Use hardware cloth, not chicken wire, to keep predators out
Chicken wire is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, not to prevent predators from reaching them. Chicken wire, also known as hex netting, is a twisted steel wire mesh with hexagonal openings. A hungry and determined predator, including but not limited to raccoons, dogs, coyotes, bobcats, and even hawks, can tear through chicken wire with relative ease. It is not recommended as security fencing for chicken coops and runs. Chicken wire is very flexible and good for making temporary structures designed to keep chickens confined, but it will not stop predators from gaining access.
Hardware cloth, on the other hand, is made of heavier-gauge, galvanized, stainless steel, or bare steel wires woven tightly together into smaller openings that are difficult for predators to fit through. This sturdy construction stands up to diligent chewing or scratching and resists general wear over time. Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but the initial investment is worth it given the heartache and financial losses it can ultimately prevent. To deter diggers, bury the hardware cloth at least a foot beneath the ground, preventing predators from tunnelling their way into the run.
Some people have tried to use welded wire to keep predators away, but this will only protect from larger predators like dogs, coyotes, and bobcats. Raccoons, minks, weasels, and even juvenile foxes will get through this fencing.
To summarise, if you want to keep predators out, hardware cloth is the way to go. Chicken wire is simply not strong enough to keep your chicks safe.
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Bury hardware cloth to deter diggers
Chicken wire is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, not to prevent predators from reaching them. Chicken wire will not stop predators from gaining access. Hardware cloth, on the other hand, is manufactured from a stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, making it a much better choice for flock protection.
To protect chickens from predators such as raccoons and dogs, hardware cloth should be buried at least 12 inches into the ground around the perimeter of the coop and run or buried underneath the floor of the coop and run. The hardware cloth should be attached to the bottom of the run with screws and fender washers. It should go down vertically a minimum of 4 to 6 inches (or as deep as you can) and then bend and lay out horizontally, away from the run at least 12 to 18 inches. Then bury it. This is called an apron. Seeding over it is also recommended. If you cannot dig very deep, make up for it by extending the cloth horizontally.
The cloth can also be backfilled with gravel or cinders to make digging tougher. The digging method can be replaced with an L-shaped hardware cloth barrier, which is also known as an L-shaped bury. This method is also effective in preventing digging by wildlife.
Some alternatives to burying hardware cloth include using a hot wire 6" above ground level, which will shock any predator that wants to dig under the fence, and using large chunks of salvaged concrete slabs or flagstones.
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Chicken wire is good for temporary structures
Chicken wire is a versatile and flexible material used for a variety of purposes. It is made from twisted steel wire mesh with hexagonal openings that can be galvanised or PVC-coated. Chicken wire is lightweight and relatively strong, making it ideal for temporary structures.
Chicken wire is often used to create temporary fencing for gardens or small animals. Its rigidity and flexibility allow it to conform to varied landscapes, making it a good option for temporary enclosures. It is also used to create temporary walls and ceilings in construction and renovation projects. For example, in the automotive and aerospace industries, chicken wire is used to create lightweight yet strong components for interior panels and structural elements.
Chicken wire is also useful in emergency and disaster recovery scenarios, such as providing quick and durable temporary roofing after earthquake or flood damage. Its ability to create a secure and robust surface when plastered over makes it valuable for restoring building integrity in a short time.
While chicken wire is good for temporary structures, it is important to note that it is not recommended for predator exclusion in chicken coops. Its large hexagonal openings allow determined predators, such as raccoons and dogs, to tear through or reach into the enclosure. Chicken wire is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, but it does not provide adequate protection from external threats. For predator exclusion, hardware cloth, made from stronger gauge metal, is a more suitable option.
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Chicken wire is flimsy and easily destroyed
Chicken wire, or poultry netting, is a mesh of thin, flexible, galvanised steel wire with hexagonal gaps. It is used to fence in fowl, such as chickens, in a run or coop. However, chicken wire is flimsy and easily destroyed. Its thinness makes it susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. Chicken wire is not suitable for protecting chickens from predators. Raccoons, foxes, hawks, opossums, and even dogs can tear through or break chicken wire with relative ease.
Chicken wire is not designed to keep predators out but rather to keep chickens confined to a specific area. The hexagonal gaps in chicken wire are large enough for predators to reach through and grab chickens, resulting in injury or death. This is a costly mistake that can cause significant heartache and financial losses for chicken owners.
Chicken wire is also easily destroyed by corrosion and rust. While galvanisation helps the wire withstand the elements, it will not last long-term. Over time, chicken wire will rust and corrode, weakening the structure and making it even more vulnerable to breakage.
To address the limitations of chicken wire, chicken owners can consider using hardware cloth or weld wire. Hardware cloth is a stronger alternative, consisting of woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular grid pattern. It is manufactured from a stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, providing better flock protection. Burying hardware cloth around the perimeter of the coop can deter digging predators like raccoons and dogs. While weld wire is also made of galvanised wire, it is thicker and more durable than chicken wire.
In conclusion, chicken wire is flimsy and easily destroyed, making it inadequate for protecting chickens from predators and corrosion. Chicken owners should invest in more robust alternatives like hardware cloth or weld wire to ensure the safety and security of their flock.
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Chicken wire can be used to cover run areas
Chicken wire, also known as hex netting, is a twisted steel wire mesh with hexagonal openings that can be galvanised or PVC-coated. It is flexible and useful for making temporary structures to confine chickens to a specific area. Chicken wire can be used to cover run areas, but it will not stop predators from accessing your flock. Hawks, raccoons, dogs, coyotes, bobcats, and even snakes can easily tear through chicken wire.
Chicken wire is not recommended as security fencing for chicken coops and runs. If you want to keep predators out, hardware cloth is a much better choice. Hardware cloth is manufactured from stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, making it more effective at protecting your flock. The smaller the openings and the lower gauge of the metal, the better security it will provide.
However, chicken wire can be used in conjunction with hardware cloth to reduce costs. For example, you can use hardware cloth from the base to the three-foot mark and then switch to chicken wire, ensuring an overlap of at least six inches. You can also use chicken wire as a digging deterrent by laying it on the ground surrounding the coop and then covering it with dirt and grass seed. This will stop predators from digging into the enclosure.
Chicken wire can also be used as a separation barrier for chickens of different ages while they acclimate to one another. If you are using plastic, bird netting may be a cheaper and easier alternative for covering run areas. Additionally, chicken wire can be useful for keeping chickens out of your flower or vegetable garden.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering a trough with wire for chicks helps to keep them contained in a specific area and prevents them from wandering into places they shouldn't, like gardens or vegetable patches.
Hardware cloth is recommended as it provides better protection against predators like hawks, raccoons, and weasels. Chicken wire is not ideal as predators can tear through it, and chicks may get caught in its holes.
It is essential to ensure that the wire is securely attached to the trough to create a safe environment for the chicks. You can use hog ties or u-shaped landscape pins to secure the wire, depending on the setup.
Yes, alternatives such as deer or bird netting can be used instead of wire. Additionally, you can use plastic strips made for chain link fencing and cut them to the desired length.
It is important to provide a brooder area, which is a warm and safe enclosed space for the chicks. You should also ensure access to room-temperature water to prevent chilling, and use appropriate bedding such as pine shavings, rice hulls, straw, or hay.
