Jul 09,
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
When it comes to selecting the appropriate material for fencing, enclosures, or other containment needs, two popular choices often come to mind: chicken wire and wire mesh. Both materials have distinct characteristics and are suitable for various applications. This article will help you understand the differences between chicken wire and wire mesh and guide you on which one to choose based on your specific requirements.
Chicken Wire Netting
Chicken wire, also known as poultry netting, is a type of woven wire mesh typically made from galvanized steel wire. It features a hexagonal pattern, which provides flexibility and durability. The wire used in chicken wire is usually thinner and more pliable compared to other types of wire mesh.
Chicken wire is widely used in agricultural settings, particularly for:
Poultry Enclosures: It is commonly used to build chicken coops and pens, providing a barrier to keep chickens in and predators out.
Garden Fencing: It protects garden beds from small animals like rabbits and rodents.
Rabbit Cages
Craft Projects: Its flexible nature makes it suitable for various DIY projects, such as creating sculptures or reinforcing plaster.
Cost-Effective: Chicken wire is relatively inexpensive, making it an economical choice for large areas.
Lightweight: Its lightweight nature makes it easy to handle and install.
Versatility: The hexagonal pattern allows it to be bent and shaped to fit various structures and forms.
Wire mesh, also known as welded wire fabric, is made from interlocking metal wires that are welded at each intersection. This creates a grid-like pattern with square or rectangular openings. Wire mesh is typically made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or PVC-coated wire, providing varying degrees of strength and durability.
Wire mesh is utilized in a wide range of settings, including:
Industrial and Construction: It is used for reinforcing concrete, creating barriers, and in filtration systems.
Concrete Reinforcing Mesh
Security Fencing: The sturdiness of wire mesh makes it ideal for high-security fencing around properties or facilities.
High Security Fencing
Animal Enclosures: Suitable for containing larger animals such as dogs, goats, or even zoo animals due to its strength.
Farm Fence
Strength and Durability: Wire mesh is significantly stronger than chicken wire and can withstand greater force and pressure.
Longevity: Materials like stainless steel and PVC-coated wire offer enhanced resistance to rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the mesh.
Variety of Gauges and Openings: Wire mesh comes in different thicknesses (gauges) and opening sizes, allowing for customization based on specific needs.
Consider what you need the material for. If you are creating a temporary structure or need to contain small animals, chicken wire might be sufficient. However, for permanent installations or enclosures for larger animals, wire mesh is the better choice due to its strength and durability.
If budget is a major concern, chicken wire offers a cost-effective solution. For larger projects or when a higher initial investment is acceptable for long-term benefits, wire mesh provides greater value over time.
Think about the maintenance requirements and longevity of the material. Wire mesh generally requires less maintenance and has a longer lifespan compared to chicken wire, which may need more frequent repairs or replacements.
For applications requiring high security or protection from larger predators, wire mesh is the preferred option. Its robust construction offers superior protection and peace of mind.
Choosing between chicken wire and wire mesh depends on various factors including the specific application, budget, maintenance preferences, and security requirements. Chicken wire is ideal for lightweight, temporary, and cost-sensitive projects, while wire mesh is suited for heavy-duty, long-lasting, and secure installations. By understanding the characteristics and advantages of each material, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs.
Link to Sunshine Fencing
Qunkun offers a broad array of options for sourcing the wire mesh solution that best suits you. Order your materials today or contact us with any questions!
Do you need a versatile material that can adapt to varying uses? Chicken mesh fits the bill! Keep a roll of chicken mesh in your garage or shed and you will have the perfect medium to work with in the home or outdoors.
Read on and discover what exactly is chicken mesh and what can you use it for!
What Is Chicken Mesh?
Chicken mesh is a fine wire that is super flexible and is woven into a net using a hexagonal pattern. Its original use was to create pens for chickens and other small animals, hence the name! Chicken wire fencing was used to stop the chickens from escaping, and provided some protection to stop predators from attacking.
However, chicken mesh wire has developed today to become a flexible material used in hardware and crafts. The best chicken wire meshing is galvanised wire mesh, preventing corrosion and protecting against the elements.
What Is the Use of Chicken Mesh?
Chicken mesh is used to create pens for chickens, to prevent plastered walls from cracking, and as a flexible medium when making crafts.
1. Chicken Coops
This versatile netting is perfect for creating chicken coops and poultry pens. Galvanised steel wire is used to prevent rusting and is strong enough for the chicken netting not to snap or break.
However, if the chicken mesh is used on pet cages or aviary mesh fencing, the zinc used in new galvanised wire mesh wire can cause harm to animals. Therefore, it is recommended to shave the zinc spikes off the mesh and then scrub the mesh with a vinegar solution.
Chicken wire fencing uses hexagonal holes in the pattern, typically measuring 12mm in diameter across each hex. A mm x 50m chicken wire roll is a great choice for a light-duty material.
2. Plastering
Chicken mesh is a key hardware tool used by plasterers worldwide. When plastering, the chicken mesh is placed where a wall and column junction meet. Due to heat expansion, plaster may crack when it is fresh, so the chicken mesh is used to prevent that from occurring.
Chicken mesh strengthens the plaster and ensures that a complete bond is formed between the column and the wall. It is also a lightweight material that is easy to use for a plasterer, and which is not too heavy that it will fall off the wall.
So, how else can chicken wire mesh help a plasterer will their job? Well, the hexagonal pattern of the mesh also plays a part in preventing internal stresses from occurring inside the plaster. This pattern is tough and it is durable when cut.
The hex aperture wire diameter will need to reach at least 12mm to be effective for use within plastering. Choose an mm x 50m chicken wire roll for your plastering project.
3. Crafts and Hobbies
Chicken mesh wire is an amazing material to use when making your own baskets, message boards, and floral arrangements. Being a pliable medium with an on-trend hex design, you can use chicken mesh for designs across your home.
You could also use chicken wire mesh for your garden trellising and other garden use, securing plant protection and even fences.
How about creating a sculpture that you can dangle jewels from? Or a floral display to shape your plants? Visit Trade Warehouse and purchase a 900mm x 50m chicken wire roll for your craft tasks!
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Chicken Mesh?
Chicken mesh is a flexible and strong material. It can easily be used for chicken coops and pens to stop your animals from escaping. However, due to its bendable properties, the chicken wire may not prevent a predatory attack and so your chickens may be at risk. Using hardware mesh or hardware cloth is a better choice for security issues.
The cost of chicken wire mesh is quite low in contrast with other materials, however. You can purchase a large 50m roll for a low cost online at Trade Warehouse.
Chicken wire mesh is the perfect material for plastering jobs, however, preventing cracks and protecting against thermal expansion. It is lightweight to work on the walls without falling, and the hexagonal pattern offers a tight and secure fit.
Chicken wire is also perfect for your hobbies, offering a superb medium to produce sculptures and flower arrangements. Create something great for your home!
Pros of Chicken Wire
Cons of Chicken Wire
Low in price
Not strong enough to prevent predators
Flexible and pliable
Chickens may get their toes stuck in the wire
Strong and secure
Broken wires may hurt chickens
Versatile
Use in plastering
Use for chicken coops
Use for crafts, hobbies, and gardening
Is Wire Mesh the Same as Chicken Wire?
Wire mesh and chicken wire are not the same but do have similarities and differences. Wire mesh is often referred to as hardware mesh and is notably different due to its square grid shape. You can immediately recognise hardware mesh as the chicken mesh is almost always a hexagonal pattern.
Hardware wire mesh is available in stainless steel, bare steel, or galvanised steel. It is much stronger than chicken mesh and may offer better protection to your chicken coop. Due to these tougher properties, hardware wire mesh is less flexible and lightweight than chicken wire mesh.
What Is the Size of Chicken Wire Mesh?
Standard rolls of chicken mesh will measure 50m in length and will provide a 12mm diameter hex across its pattern. Although you can purchase varying widths of chicken wire mesh, such as 900mm, 12mm, and mm, depending on the size you require.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Wire?
For your chicken coop, hardware mesh and hardware cloth are two alternatives that provide a stronger, secure pen for your animals. Chicken wire fencing does easily bend and could fall apart in some cases and possibly harm your chickens. Hardware mesh and hardware cloth are tougher materials that will prevent any predator attack.
Hardware cloth is welded and is even stronger than hardware mesh. It is recommended to cover chicken coop windows with hardware cloth to make sure that predatory birds and animals do not gain access to your chickens.
Visit Trade Warehouse for Your Chicken Wire!
Trade Warehouse in Australia are experts in their field! You can find a vast range of chicken wire and other options for whatever project you are undertaking. Check out the latest range of new products and strong and flexible netting available today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequently asked questions should you ask before purchasing chicken mesh wire?
Can I use chicken mesh wire in poultry yards?
Yes, a chicken mesh is a great tool to use in your poultry yard due to the light-duty applications and flexibility it offers.
Although, for chicken enclosures, chicken wire mesh may result in possible harm from predators. Additional protection is recommended, securing your chicken enclosures with hardware mesh or hardware cloth.
Can I use chicken wire mesh for a pet cage?
Chicken mesh can be used for a pet cage, although galvanised material may harm your animals. Remove excess zinc with a utility knife before washing thoroughly with a mild solution of vinegar in a bucket.
What size of chicken netting is best?
Most chicken netting is measured in 50m lengths, but you can choose the length you need. It is possible to purchase 900mm, mm, and mm widths from Trade Warehouse to match your project brief. The hex aperture wire diameter size will usually measure 12mm.
For more chicken wire for saleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.