Sophie Bennett
Chicken wire is not enough to keep your chickens safe from predators. It is easy for predators to rip through, and it degrades quickly. Hardware cloth, on the other hand, is made of heavy-gauge, galvanized, stainless steel, or bare steel wires woven tightly together into smaller openings that are difficult for predators to penetrate. Here are some ways to attach hardware cloth to your chicken run to protect your flock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Hardware cloth, screws, washers, staples, wire, netting, welded wire, zip-ties, hog rings, galvanized or powder-coated hardware cloth |
| Tools | Staple gun, pneumatic stapler, regular stapler, drill, screwdriver |
| Security Measures | Burying hardware cloth around the perimeter, overlapping sheets, using heavy-duty zip-ties or hog rings, installing a roof, electric fencing |
| Maintenance | Regularly inspecting for damage or loose attachments, especially after severe weather |
| Protection | Stronger and more durable than chicken wire, effective against predators like raccoons, foxes, snakes, rodents, birds of prey, wild birds |
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What You'll Learn
Using a staple gun
First, position the hardware cloth on the coop frame, ensuring it is pulled taut to prevent gaps that predators could exploit. Next, use a heavy-duty staple gun to secure the wire mesh every 2-3 inches along the wood. For added durability, consider using a pneumatic staple gun, which provides more force than a manual staple gun. However, if you use a pneumatic staple gun, be sure to wear proper eye and hand protection.
While stapling, it is important to ensure that the staples are driven deep into the wood. For extra security, you can place staples every 2 inches apart. Additionally, consider reinforcing the hardware cloth with screws and washers, which will enhance the overall durability of the structure.
If you are concerned about the appearance of the chicken run, you can cover the staples by sandwiching the edges of the hardware cloth between wood strips and the coop frame. This method not only improves aesthetics but also provides extra reinforcement and helps to reduce sharp edges.
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Sewing with thin gauge wire
When it comes to attaching hardware cloth to a chicken run, sewing with thin gauge wire is an effective method. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:
Firstly, it is important to ensure that you have the right materials. For sewing hardware cloth, you will need thin gauge wire, typically made of galvanized or stainless steel. This wire should be sturdy yet flexible enough to manipulate by hand. In addition to the wire, you will also need a pair of lineman's pliers, which will be used to twist and cut the wire.
Before beginning the sewing process, prepare the hardware cloth by cutting it to the required size and shape to fit your chicken run. Overlap the edges of the hardware cloth by a few inches to create a secure seam. Start by using the pliers to twist and secure the thin gauge wire around one of the overlapped edges. Then, continue sewing by weaving the wire in and out of the hardware cloth's mesh, creating a sturdy stitch. Make sure to twist and secure the wire at each intersection point to prevent it from slipping loose.
It is recommended to use horizontal supports between fence posts to install the hardware cloth horizontally, reducing the need for multiple seams. This method minimizes cutting and ensures a stronger overall structure. If seams are necessary, overlap the hardware cloth by several squares and wire them together using the thin gauge wire and pliers. This technique will create a secure joint between two pieces of hardware cloth.
Finally, when you have sewn the hardware cloth together and attached it to the frame of your chicken run, it is essential to inspect your work thoroughly. Check that all wires are tight and securely fastened to prevent any weak points that predators could exploit. Regular maintenance and inspections of your chicken run will help maintain the security of the enclosure and ensure the safety of your chickens.
By following these instructions and using thin gauge wire to sew your hardware cloth, you can create a strong and secure enclosure for your chickens, protecting them from potential threats and providing peace of mind.
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Burying the cloth
Burying hardware cloth around your chicken coop is an effective way to deter digging predators. This method is also known as creating a hardware cloth "apron".
First, you will need to dig a trench around your chicken run. The trench should be at at least a foot deep, but can go deeper if you prefer. One person opted to dig a trench that was 15' x 20' and 4-6 inches deep. Another person dug a trench that was 2 feet deep. If your ground is too hard to dig a trench, you could instead lay the hardware cloth flat and attach it to the fence before covering it with a few inches of dirt.
Next, attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of your fence. You can use screws and fender washers or fence staples to do this. Make sure there are no gaps between the bottom of the fence and the hardware cloth, as predators could push through.
Then, lay the hardware cloth vertically down into the trench. It should go down a minimum of 4-6 inches, but the deeper the better. If you cannot go deep, make up for it by extending the hardware cloth further horizontally. Then, bend the hardware cloth and lay it out horizontally, away from the run. It should extend at least 12-24 inches from the trench.
Finally, bury the hardware cloth with dirt, gravel, or sand. You can also pour concrete on top or place rectangular concrete paver blocks around the edge of the cloth. Seeding over the buried hardware cloth is also recommended.
It is important to note that hardware cloth may eventually rust and break up, and chickens can dig deep holes, so you will need to regularly check for any loose spots or holes.
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Screws and washers
When using screws and washers, it is important to select the appropriate type and size of hardware. For example, if you are attaching hardware cloth to treated lumber, you will need to use screws specifically designed for treated wood. Additionally, consider using pan head screws, which can work without a washer if you are using tighter hardware cloth. However, for added security, fender washers are recommended. These washers have a larger surface area and will stay on the screws better than regular wood screws. Stainless steel fender washers are a good option, as they are strong and resistant to rust.
To attach the hardware cloth, start by laying it over the frame of your chicken run. Use a drill to screw the washers and screws into the wood, securing the hardware cloth in place. Space the screws and washers every 6 inches for extra security. You can also add wood trim or strips over the screws and washers to create a more finished appearance and provide additional reinforcement.
If you are concerned about sharp edges, you can use a strip of wood to cover the ends of the hardware cloth. Drill pilot holes in the wood to prevent splitting, then screw the strip over the hardware cloth. This method adds durability and neatness to your chicken run while also protecting your clothes and skin from snagging.
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Zip-ties or hog rings
Zip ties are a quick and easy way to attach hardware cloth to a chicken run. They are also easy to replace when they snap. However, zip ties can degrade over time, especially if they are not UV-resistant. Raccoons can also chew through them.
If you opt for zip ties, it is recommended to use heavy-duty, weather-resistant ones. Metal zip ties are also available, although they are expensive. To avoid sharp points, cut a small slit in the centre of the bag, then they won't spill out.
Hog rings are another option for attaching hardware cloth to a chicken run. They are cost-effective and relatively easy to use. However, some people find them to be too much work. Hog rings can be used in combination with zip ties, especially for attaching hardware cloth to larger structures such as gate frames.
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Frequently asked questions
A staple gun is the easiest way to attach hardware cloth to a chicken run, especially for wooden frames. For the most secure installation, washers and screws can be used to fasten the hardware cloth to the coop frame. Screws should be drilled over the mesh with large washers in between and spaced every 6 inches for extra security.
It is recommended to use galvanized or powder-coated hardware cloth to prevent rust. 1/4 inch hardware cloth provides maximum protection against small predators and rodents, while 1/2 inch hardware cloth offers superior airflow and versatility. If you have weasels or minks in your area, ensure the squares are no more than 1/2 inch wide as they can squeeze through anything larger.
To prevent burrowing animals from getting inside your coop, bury the hardware cloth a few inches around the outside perimeter of the run and extend it at least 18 inches away from the sides. Secure it to the ground with landscape staples. You can also dig a trench at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter of the run and slide a sheet of hardware cloth into the trench, attaching the excess above ground to the chicken run.
