Deciding between hardware cloth and chicken wire for your chicken coop needs? This article breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make the best choice for your backyard chickens.
When it comes to safeguarding your feathered friends from predators, relying on chicken wire or poultry netting is a logical choice. After all, it’s right there in the name, isn’t it? However, my own experience in the world of raising chickens taught me a valuable lesson: chicken wire simply doesn’t cut it.
Ok, we are going to talk about predator proofing your chicken coop and run and how I quickly learned that poultry netting is not strong enough to keep raiders out.
When I first got chickens for my backyard, I thought that standard chicken wire would be a good fence to cover my chicken run.
When I went to the coop in the morning to let the hens out for the day, I was shocked to see that the chicken wire was torn. Like, literally split in half with a gaping hole in the wall of the pen. Luckily, it happened overnight and my small flock of chickens was locked up safely in their coop. But if it had happened during the day, well, that would have been a different story.
But the incident was a wake-up call: a flimsy barrier wouldn’t suffice against determined intruders. We grabbed some sturdy galvanized welded wire fencing and attached it to the pen to provide a stronger layer of protection.
Days later, I heard a commotion from the chickens. I quickly glanced out the window to witness a fox throwing itself at the double wire protected pen. He was literally flinging himself against the pen attempting to break through the fencing.
The extra layer of fencing held and I rushed out with a broom to scare the fox away, but I knew he would be back. I also knew from years of using it around the garden that welded wire tended to separate at the joints and a persistent critter could work its way in.
Enter hardware cloth – a robust solution that surpasses the limitations of both traditional chicken wire and wire fencing.
We had a leftover roll of hardware cloth that we used to secure the chicken coop’s windows, air vent openings, and even under the floor so nothing could dig their way through the plywood flooring. With its sturdy construction and finer mesh, hardware cloth provides a level of security that poultry netting simply cannot match.
We wasted no time in replacing the compromised chicken wire with hardware cloth, reinforcing every vulnerable point of our run. We even dug about a foot around the pen and buried the hardware cloth to deter diggers.
Like many new chicken owners, we mistakenly thought chicken wire would be enough for the pen.
It turns out it is easy for predators to cut through the steel wire mesh by force or using their teeth. The wire also degrades quickly, weakening enough to break under the simple strain of a hen reaching through the poultry netting for a blade of grass. Broken pieces are dangerous for your hens because they can eat them or get hurt by them.
Hey, fellow chicken wranglers! If you’re wondering, “What gauge hardware cloth for chicken coop should I get?” then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been messing with coops for years, and I can tell you that choosing the right hardware cloth isn’t just a small thing—it’s the difference between a safe flock and a dog’s midnight snack. So let’s get right to it: protect your birds with the best wire mesh available.
Why Hardware Cloth Gauge Matters Big Time
First things first, hardware cloth is that tough wire mesh stuff you slap on your coop to keep predators out and chickens in. The “gauge” part? That’s just a fancy way of sayin’ how thick the wire is. Here’s the kicker: a lower gauge number means a thicker, stronger wire. So, a 16 gauge is beefier than a 20 gauge, got it?
Now, for most of us backyard chicken folks, a 19 or 20 gauge hardware cloth is the sweet spot. It’s sturdy enough to stop most critters like raccoons or foxes from tearin’ through, but it ain’t so heavy that you’ll be cussin’ while cuttin’ it. If you’re in an area with some real nasty predators—think big ol’ foxes or even a stray doggo—then step up to a 16 gauge for extra muscle. I’ve seen lighter gauges like 23 or 24 tossed around for tiny pests like rats, but honestly, don’t skimp unless you’re sure that’s all you’re dealin’ with.
Breakin’ Down the Gauge: What’s What?
I know you don’t want to read a whole textbook, so let’s keep this short. Here’s a quick rundown of what these numbers mean for your coop:
- 16 Gauge: Super thick and tough as nails. Best for high-risk zones where predators are basically knockin’ on your door. Bit of a pain to cut and bend, though.
- 19-20 Gauge: The go-to for most folks. Balances strength with ease of use. Keeps out raccoons, foxes, and smaller varmints if paired with the right mesh size.
- 23-24 Gauge: Thinner wire, better for keepin’ out lil’ critters like weasels or rats. But if a big predator comes along, this might not hold up—use with caution.
| Gauge | Wire Thickness | Best For | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Very Thick | High predator areas, large threats | Hard to cut/bend |
| 19-20 | Medium Thick | General use, most predators | Manageable |
| 23-24 | Thin | Small pests (rats, weasels) | Easy to work with |
Pick based on what’s prowlin’ around your yard. Me? I went with 19 gauge for my coop ‘cause I got sneaky raccoons, but nothin’ too crazy like bears or wolves. Worked like a charm so far!
Mesh Size: Don’t Forget This Bit!
While we’re yakkin’ about gauge, don’t sleep on the mesh size—the gaps in the wire. A 1/2 inch or 1/4 inch opening is what you want. Why? It’s small enough to stop predators from squeezin’ through or reachin’ in to snag a chicken, but still lets air flow so your coop don’t turn into a sweaty mess. I made the mistake once of usin’ a bigger mesh—thought I’d save a buck—and a dang hawk nearly got my best hen. Never again!
What Predators You Gotta Watch For?
Speakin’ of hawks and raccoons, let’s chat about who’s tryin’ to crash your chicken party. The gauge you pick depends a lot on the bad guys in your neck of the woods. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years
- Raccoons: These sneaky lil’ bandits are strong and clever. They’ll rip through thin wire if they can. Stick with 19 gauge or thicker, and make sure it’s secure.
- Foxes: Crafty and powerful. They dig and chew like nobody’s business. Go for at least 19 gauge, and bury that cloth deep (more on that soon).
- Rats and Weasels: Small but deadly to chicks. A finer gauge like 23 works if they’re your main worry, but double up with traps or other barriers.
- Hawks and Owls: These sky pirates swoop down for a quick meal. Mesh size matters more than gauge here—keep it tight!
- Dogs or Coyotes: If you got big pups or wild coyotes, don’t mess around. Get 16 gauge or even layer up with some welded wire on top for extra beef.
I remember one night hearin’ a ruckus outside my coop. The edge of my 20-gauge cloth was being snatched by a raccoon. Thank goodness it held up, but it was a wake-up call to check that whole setup. Know your enemy, y’all!.
Where You Live Changes the Game
Think about the weather and terrain in your area as well. Thick gauges (16 or 19) will hold up better against rust and wear if you live in a place with harsh winters or crazy storms. Since I live in a milder area, 19 gauge lasts me years without looking too worn out. But my friend up north had his thinner wire break because of the weight of the snow—terrible! They will also have a great time if your ground is soft and easy to dig in unless you put down a heavy gauge.
Installation Hacks: Don’t Skimp Here!
Alright, you’ve picked your gauge—say, 19 for general use. Now, how do ya slap this stuff on your coop without leavin’ gaps for trouble? I’ve botched this before, so learn from my dumb moves:
- Bury It Deep: Dig a trench around your coop and bury the hardware cloth at least 12 inches underground. This stops foxes and such from diggin’ under. I go a lil’ deeper if I got time—better safe than sorry.
- Overlap Them Edges: Don’t just butt the pieces together—overlap ‘em by a few inches and secure with staples or screws. I’ve seen critters wiggle through tiny gaps, so don’t give ‘em an inch!
- Secure It Tight: Use heavy-duty staples or screws to pin it to your coop frame. I got lazy once and used flimsy clips—big mistake. Raccoon popped it right off.
- Add a Skirt: Lay a “skirt” of hardware cloth flat on the ground around the coop, extendin’ out a foot or two, then cover it with dirt or rocks. Predators hate diggin’ through that. My ol’ coop had this, and nothin’ ever got close.
- Double Up if Needed: If you’re paranoid (like me after that raccoon scare), layer welded wire over your hardware cloth for extra oomph. It’s pricier, but peace of mind is worth it.
Cuttin’ this stuff can be a pain, especially thicker gauges. I use a 4-inch grinder sometimes—works like magic, though it kicks up some dust. Just wear gloves and goggles, ‘cause them lil’ metal bits ain’t friendly. If that’s too much, heavy-duty wire cutters do the trick, though my hands were cryin’ after an hour of snippin’.
Durability: How Long Will It Last?
Thicker gauges last longer, no surprise there. A 16 or 19 gauge can go years without much trouble, ‘specially if it’s galvanized to fight rust. Thinner stuff like 23 might start lookin’ raggedy after a couple seasons, especially in wet areas. I check my coop every few months for holes or weak spots—caught a tiny tear once before it turned into a big problem. If you spot damage, don’t wait. Swap that section out pronto.
Cost vs. Safety: Don’t Be Cheap!
I get it, we all wanna save a dime. Thinner gauges are cheaper and easier to handle, but if a predator busts through, you’re out more than just wire—you’re losin’ chickens. I made that call once, went with a lighter gauge to cut costs, and paid for it when a fox got in. Lost two hens before I fixed it. Spend the extra bucks on a solid 19 or 20 gauge—it’s an investment in your flock’s life.
Places like big box stores or online shops got decent prices on 19 gauge rolls. I’ve snagged some good deals shoppin’ around, so don’t just grab the first thing you see. Compare a bit, and you’ll save without sacrificin’ quality.
My Personal Setup: What Worked for Me
Wanna know what I’m runnin’ on my coop right now? I got a 19 gauge hardware cloth with 1/2 inch mesh all around the run and coop base. Buried it about 14 inches down ‘cause I got foxes skulkin’ nearby. Added a skirt of the same cloth extendin’ out a foot, covered with heavy rocks. Top of the run’s got a lighter mesh just for birds, but the base is all heavy-duty. Been two years, and not a single breach. Knock on wood, y’all!
I did have to wrestle with cuttin’ that 19 gauge—it ain’t exactly bendy. Took me a whole weekend to get it all up, but seein’ my chickens strut around safe makes it worth every sore muscle. If I was in a calmer spot with less critters, I mighta gone 20 gauge to save some hassle, but better overkill than under.
Common Goofs to Avoid
I’ve seen folks (and heck, I’ve been that fool) make some basic mistakes with hardware cloth. Don’t do these:
- Usin’ Chicken Wire Instead: Chicken wire is flimsy junk. It won’t stop a determined predator. Hardware cloth is the real deal—don’t mix ‘em up.
- Leavin’ Gaps: Even a tiny hole is an invite for trouble. Check every corner and seam.
- Not Buryin’ Deep Enough: Skippin’ the trench or goin’ shallow lets diggers in. Go deep or regret it.
- Ignorin’ Wear and Tear: Rust or small tears grow into big issues. Inspect regular-like.
What If You Got Special Needs?
Some of y’all might have unique setups. If your coop’s huge, or you got a mobile run, you might lean toward lighter gauges for portability—but don’t go below 20 unless predators ain’t a worry. If you’re in bear country (yikes!), forget what I said about 19 gauge and go as thick as you can find, plus extra reinforcements. Tailor it to your spot, and don’t be shy askin’ other chicken folks what works for them.
Keepin’ It Maintained
Once your hardware cloth is up, don’t just forget it. Walk around your coop every month or so. Look for rust, holes, or spots where it’s pullin’ away from the frame. I had a section loosen up after a storm—fixed it quick with some extra staples. If you’re seein’ rust, might be time for a new roll, or at least patch it with fresh wire. Keep them chickens safe by stayin’ on top of this.
Wrappin’ It Up: Pick Smart, Build Strong
So, what gauge hardware cloth for chicken coop should you snag? If you’re just startin’ out or got average predator risks, 19 or 20 gauge with a 1/2 inch mesh is your best bet. Step up to 16 gauge if you’re in a rough area, or drop to 23 for tiny pests only. Remember, bury it deep, secure it tight, and check it often. I’ve learned the hard way that cuttin’ corners ain’t worth the heartbreak of losin’ a bird.
Buildin’ a coop is a labor of love, and gettin’ the right hardware cloth is the backbone of keepin’ your flock happy and safe. Got questions or weird critters messin’ with your setup? Drop a comment—I’m all ears and happy to swap war stories. Let’s keep them chickens cluckin’ without a care in the world!
Selecting and Installing Hardware Cloth for Your Chicken Run
Hardware cloth is my top choice for its strength and reliability when it comes to fortifying your chicken run against potential predators.
By purchasing good hardware cloth, you can protect your feathered friends from being eaten by animals, giving them a safe place to live and grow.
Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth
When securing a backyard chicken coop and run, chicken wire and hardware cloth are two common materials. But which provides better protection from predators? Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages.
Chicken wire, also called poultry netting, is an affordable, lightweight mesh popular for basic fencing needs. However, it has considerable vulnerabilities as a protective run covering. The holes are relatively large, and predators can easily chew or rip the wire.
Hardware cloth is made of heavier gauge steel wires that are woven together tightly to make smaller holes that are hard for animals to get through. The wires can be galvanized, stainless steel, or bare steel. This sturdy construction stands up to diligent chewing or scratching and resists general wear over time. Hardware cloth does carry disadvantages like higher cost and reduced flexibility that make installation a bit more difficult.
Chicken wire and hardware cloth are both used to keep chicken pens safe, but they are not the same in terms of how they are made, how strong they are, or how well they work:
- Usually, chicken wire is made from light galvanized wire that has been twisted into a hexagon mesh pattern. It’s meant to be a barrier that lets air flow and visibility through.
- What is hardware cloth? Hardware cloth is made from heavier gauge wire that is woven into a grid pattern, which is usually square or rectangular. It is more rigid and solid compared to chicken wire.
- Chicken wire: Chicken wire is relatively lightweight and flexible. Some predators may be scared off by it, but it can be broken by chewing, clawing, or bending. Animals that are bigger, like raccoons and foxes, can easily tear through the wire mesh.
- Hardware cloth: Hardware cloth lasts longer and is stronger than chicken wire. Predators can’t get through or damage it because the wire is thicker and the mesh is tighter. It’s stronger and can’t be torn or chewed through, so it protects chickens better.
- Chicken wire: Chicken wire is good for light jobs where predators aren’t a problem or can be easily scared away. It can effectively close off small areas or set up temporary walls inside the coop or pen.
- Hardware cloth: Hawks, weasels, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, dogs, possums, and rodents are just a few of the animals that can’t get into chicken coops and pens without hardware cloth. Because it is strong and lasts a long time, it is the best choice for protecting chickens for a long time.
While chicken wire may work for certain low-risk situations, it often proves inadequate for protecting chickens from determined predators. You can use chicken wire inside the coop or run to help fence off areas to divide your hens, such as separating a brooding hen hatching eggs or young pullets from older chickens.
Hardware cloth offers superior security due to its stronger construction and resistance to damage, making it the recommended choice for ensuring the safety of your backyard poultry.
VEVOR Hardware Cloth – Installation & Review
FAQ
What gauge hardware cloth is best for chicken coops?
19 gauge is stronger, 16 is best if you can find it. 1/2 is ok, coon may get head in but not body. Which ever you choose, be sure to bury some down and out so digging predators can not get in.
Is 19 gauge or 23 gauge hardware cloth stronger?
19 gauge hardware cloth is stronger than 23 gauge hardware cloth. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire, and therefore the stronger the hardware cloth.
Can snakes get through 1/2 inch hardware cloth?
Yes, most snakes can get through 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Smaller snakes, in particular, can easily squeeze through openings of this size.
Can a rat chew through 23 gauge hardware cloth?
Hardware cloth commonly comes in 16,19,23,24 and 27 gauge. The lower the gauge the thicker the wire. For mice and rats 19 gauge and lower are recommended.
What is the recommended gauge for chicken coop hardware cloth?
1/2″ to 1/4″ galvanized hardware cloth is typically recommended for coops and chicken runs. It is manufactured from a stronger gauge metal than chicken wire, (the smaller the gauge, the stronger the mesh) making it a much better choice for flock protection.
Which hardware cloth is best for a chicken coop?
The manufacturer of this hardware cloth is Amagabeli. It is available in many dimensions. Amagabeli makes this hardware cloth with 19-gauge material. The galvanized texture gives it a sturdy and durable feel. Farmers with plenty of chickens should choose this wire to build a predator-proof chicken coop. Pros.
What is the best chicken wire & hardware cloth?
This is one of the best and strongest chicken wire and hardware cloth. This is best for both large-size birds and baby chicks. You can use it in many places, such as chicken coops, chicken tractors, the run area of coops, and even DIY purposes. The manufacturer of this hardware cloth is Amagabeli. It is available in many dimensions.
What size openings should you avoid for chicken coop hardware cloth?
Smaller openings could be too brittle, and larger openings will not deter against rats or snakes. For enclosing a chicken coop or run, you need 1/2′′ galvanized hardware cloth, which is usually 19 gauge.
What size mesh is best for a chicken coop?
A 3/8-inch mesh can provide more protection than 1/2 inch while keeping decent airflow. These sizes are less common but can be useful for very specific coop designs. The size of your hardware cloth can mean the difference between a safe coop and a vulnerable one.
What material is best for chicken coop wire?
When you want your chicken coop, chicken run, or poultry fencing to be strong and last a long time, welded galvanized steel chicken wire is the best choice. Your chickens could be up against some fearsome predators over the years to come.