What wire is better than chicken wire?

Whether you&#;re building a chicken coop or shoring up a fence, you have options when it comes to material. Hardware cloth and chicken wire (also known as poultry netting) are some of the most common choices, but how do the two stack up against each other? Read on to learn more about the differences between hardware cloth and chicken wire, and find out which one is right for you.

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Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth

Chicken wire is essentially a thin, steel wire twisted into a hexagonal pattern. It is highly flexible, making it ideal for numerous agricultural uses. Poultry netting is often used to create chicken coops, structures that keep chickens inside an enclosed space. A chicken coop is ideal for keeping predators away from your backyard poultry.

Hardware cloth can be made from stainless steel or galvanized wire mesh, which consists of a rectangular grid made of either woven or welded wire. Depending on your needs, this mesh is available in various widths, though openings are generally no larger than one inch.

Hardware cloth and chicken wire (poultry netting) differ in a few key ways. One easily identifiable difference is the size of their openings. While hardware cloth openings are typically one inch wide or smaller, chicken wire gaps can vary, with some as wide as two full inches. Additionally, while they are both made from steel, hardware cloth tends to be thicker and thus more durable.

Is Hardware Cloth Stronger Than Chicken Wire?

Strength is a crucial element to consider when choosing between hardware cloth vs chicken wire. If your material is too flimsy, your coop can be easily knocked aside or ripped apart by unwanted intruders or predators. This begs the question: is hardware cloth stronger than chicken wire?

The answer comes down to what is known as wire diameter or wire thickness. A thicker wire diameter indicates a stronger material; since hardware cloth has a thicker wire, it is much harder to separate. In this sense, hardware cloth is much stronger than chicken wire.

The Right Choice for Animal Control

Animals like mice, hawks, or raccoons can be a major headache for chicken owners. Without the proper fencing precautions, these pests can infiltrate your chicken coop and injure or kill your flock. Using suitable material for your enclosure is important to keep these intruders at bay. 

Overall, hardware cloth is widely regarded as the best choice for fencing. Its small mesh size and thicker wires make it difficult for small predators to sneak through, while its galvanized properties make it extremely durable and resistant to penetration.

Hardware cloth&#;s usefulness extends beyond animal enclosures; any time you need to keep pests away, this material can do the trick. Visit Universal Wire Cloth Co. today for high-quality hardware cloth that will meet all of your needs. 

Wire Mesh can be woven in a variety of materials. Depending on your desired application, one weave type may be more suitable than the other. For example, a Lock Crimp weave consists of wires that are joined tightly to produce a sturdy piece of wire mesh, while an intercrimp weave is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The standard plain weave is typically the most common, finer material, perfect for sizing and separation.

What is Wire Mesh Used For?

Wire mesh has a huge range of applications, though its most common uses are generally in wire cloth screens, filtration devices, and railing and fencing. The material is prevalent in countless industries, some of which include:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Textiles
• Plastics
• Architectural
• Mining
• Automotive
• Pharmaceuticals

Wire mesh can be used in everything from animal facilities to filters in wastewater treatment plants. Thanks to its extreme durability, it is often used over windows and stairwells as a security measure. Grills, fireplace screens, and concrete reinforcement are other everyday uses. 

High-Quality Materials from Universal Wire Cloth Co.

Many industries count on wire mesh to get the job done. Whether you&#;re looking to fulfill a commercial or personal project, you deserve to use materials that are built to last. Contact Universal Wire Cloth for the high-quality wire mesh you need today.

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In Summary

In conclusion, when considering the choice between hardware cloth and chicken wire for applications such as fencing or creating enclosures, it&#;s essential to understand the distinctions between the two materials.

While both serve agricultural purposes, hardware cloth emerges as the stronger and more durable option due to its smaller mesh size and thicker wires. This durability makes hardware cloth particularly effective in keeping out small predators and ensuring the safety of livestock or poultry. Additionally, hardware cloth&#;s versatility extends beyond animal enclosures, finding applications in various industries due to its durability and resistance.

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For those seeking high-quality wire mesh products, Universal Wire Cloth Co. offers a range of options tailored to diverse needs, ensuring reliability and longevity in various projects.

Early in my chicken-keeping adventures, I learned the hard way that there is a big difference between chicken wire and hardware cloth. I now understand that chicken wire is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, not to prevent predators from reaching chickens. My failure to appreciate the differences prior to constructing our first run was costly and my hope is that others can learn from my mistake.

I was no more than 5 weeks into chicken-keeping when I saw the hawk pictured above, peering in at my new pets. Feeling confident that my flock was locked safely in their run, I dashed to grab my camera to snap this shot. What I did not know at that time was that he had already reached through the chicken wire with his razor-sharp talons, taking the life of one of my 5 week old Silkies. We immediately reinforced the run with hardware cloth and no predator has breached our coops&#; security since then.

When considering fencing options for the coop and run, as a general rule, the smaller the openings and the lower gauge the metal, the better security it will provide. This hawk was able to reach in through the large holes of the chicken wire to grasp the chick, a feat he would not have succeeded in had there been hardware cloth in place. Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but  the initial investment is priceless given the heartache and financial losses it can ultimately prevent.

CHICKEN WIRE

Chicken wire, also known as hex netting, is a twisted steel wire mesh with hexagonal openings that can be galvanized or PVC coated.1   A hungry and determined predator, including but not limited to raccoons and some dogs, 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 to chickens.

HARDWARE CLOTH

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.2  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.

Sources:

1 Direct Metals
2 Direct Metals
Both illustrations of chicken wire and hardware cloth are from meshdirect.co.uk

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