Quick Answer
1x1-inch hardware cloth (a type of welded wire) is the best material for chicken coops and runs. Standard chicken wire (hexagonal, 1-inch mesh) is NOT predator-proof — raccoons reach through it and minks squeeze through it. Use hardware cloth with 1x1-inch or 1x2-inch openings for all sides, the floor, and the roof to prevent losses from raccoons, weasels, foxes, and aerial predators.
Why Chicken Wire Fails
Standard hexagonal "chicken wire" was designed to keep chickens in — not predators out. Its thin wire (22–24 gauge) is easily torn by raccoons. The 1-inch hexagonal openings allow young raccoon paws to reach through and grab chickens. Weasels and mink can squeeze through the mesh entirely. Chicken wire corrodes within 3–5 years in outdoor conditions, creating gaps.
Hardware cloth (welded wire mesh with 1x1-inch or 1x2-inch openings, 19-gauge or heavier) solves these problems: thicker wire resists tearing, smaller openings prevent reach-through, and hot-dip galvanizing provides 15–25 year outdoor lifespan.
Which Gauge to Choose
| Gauge | Wire Diameter | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19-gauge | 0.041 inch | Light | Low-predator areas only |
| 16-gauge | 0.063 inch | Medium | General use; stops raccoons |
| 14-gauge | 0.080 inch | Heavy | High-predator areas; stops dogs |
Floor and Buried Skirt
Predators dig into coops from below. Use one of two approaches: lay hardware cloth on the floor of the coop interior (covered with bedding), extending 12 inches up the walls; or bury a wire apron extending 18 inches outward from the coop foundation, 4–6 inches deep. The apron approach is less labor-intensive and effective against digging foxes, coyotes, and dogs.
Roof Security
Aerial predators (hawks, owls) require a covered run. Use hardware cloth or welded wire over the top of the run. Strong rigid wire is essential — a hawk can push through lightweight chicken wire to access birds below. For runs over 8 feet wide, a center support post prevents sagging under snow load in winter climates.
Our Recommendation
Use 16-gauge or 14-gauge 1x1-inch hardware cloth for all coop surfaces. Yes, it's more expensive than chicken wire — expect $60–$120 per 50-foot roll versus $20–$40 for chicken wire. But the protection it provides and its 15–25-year lifespan make it far more cost-effective over the life of your flock. Replace chicken wire with hardware cloth before your first predator loss, not after.