Spring is here - at least by the calendar. Easter will soon be here. Is this a time for bunnies and chicks at your house? Will you need wire mesh?
Be prepared!
Will you have to make a cage or build an enclosure to contain your newly acquired animals?
Do you know what kind of wire mesh materials you will need?
Bunnies
Rabbit cages are made with welded wire mesh - 14 gauge 1"x2" mesh for the sides and 16 gauge 1/2"x1" for the bottom.
Galvanized after weld (GAW) is recommended for the bottom. The extra thick coating of zinc will stand up to the corrosive potential of urine and feces. GAW wire mesh will last longer.
Galvanized before weld (GBW) would not last very long if used on the bottom. It is more economical to use it for the sides and top of the cage, which get little if any exposure to corrosive substances.
Chicks
Once the chicks have outgrown the cardboard box in the house they are ready to be moved outside. What wire mesh will you use to make the pen?
Black vinyl coated 1" hexagonal wire mesh, also known as chicken wire or poultry wire, is the perfect product to use for an enclosure.
The pvc coating gives the wire safe protection against rust and corrosion. This fencing material should last for years, saving the cost and inconvenience of replacement and repair.
Black vinyl coated hex has an attractive appearance. The black color blends with the background becoming virtually invisible. You will be able to see the birds inside the pen.
The wire mesh is easy to handle and cut to shape. Staple the netting to wood posts using 14 gauge 3/4" poultry staples.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions for using wire mesh to build rabbit cages or chicken pens that would be helpful to others?
