The Difference Between Chicken Wire and Hardware Cloth

Chicken Wire:

1. Material and Construction:
   • Made of thin, flexible galvanized steel or stainless steel wire.
   • Typically has a hexagonal mesh pattern.
   • Available in various mesh sizes, usually ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches.
2. Strength and Durability:
   • Relatively lightweight and not very strong.
   • Easy to cut and manipulate but can be easily bent or broken by determined predators.
   • Less durable and can deteriorate faster when exposed to the elements.
3. Intended Use:
   • Primarily used to contain chickens and other small animals.
   • Effective for keeping chickens in but not strong enough to keep out most predators.
   • Also used in gardening to protect plants from small pests or to support climbing plants.
4. Applications:
   • Chicken coops and runs where predator pressure is minimal.
   • Temporary fencing and garden enclosures.

Hardware Cloth:

1. Material and Construction:
   • Made of thicker, more rigid galvanized steel or stainless steel wire.
   • Has a square or rectangular grid pattern.
   • Available in various mesh sizes, commonly 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, and 1 inch.
2. Strength and Durability:
   • Much stronger and more durable than chicken wire.
   • Difficult to bend or break, providing better resistance against predators.
   • Long-lasting and better able to withstand weather conditions and environmental exposure.
3. Intended Use:
   • Ideal for protecting chickens and other small animals from predators.
   • Used for a variety of other purposes such as rodent-proofing, constructing compost bins, and reinforcing structures.
4. Applications:
   • Secure chicken coops and runs where predator protection is a priority.
   • Garden fencing to keep out small and medium-sized animals.
   • Reinforcement for wooden structures and frames.

Summary:

• Chicken Wire: Lightweight, easy to handle, and suitable for containing chickens but not effective against predators. Best for low-risk areas and temporary enclosures.
• Hardware Cloth: Strong, durable, and provides excellent predator protection. Ideal for securing chicken coops and runs, as well as other protective applications in the garden and around the homestead.

For keeping chickens safe from predators, hardware cloth is the preferred choice due to its superior strength and durability. Chicken wire can be used for containment but should not be relied upon as the primary barrier against predators.