Hardware cloth is wire mesh that consists of either woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular grid that is available in galvanized, stainless steel and bare steel. 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. 1/2″ to 1/4″ galvanized hardware cloth is typically recommended for coops and chicken runs.

HARDWARE CLOTH INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES

1. Bury hardware cloth to deter diggers. 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 digging predator that made this ditch was deterred by buried hardware cloth.

2. Cover all windows with hardware cloth.Had the window been open and no hardware cloth on the window, this predator would have had a free meal.

3. Secure hardware cloth with screws and washers. Staples are easily defeated by pushing or pulling.

4. Seal all openings larger than one inch with hardware cloth. Minks and weasels can squeeze through very small openings and kill many chickens in a very short period of time.