Posted by Frank Langone on Wed, Jan 13, 2010
Are you planning to get some animals that will need cages or pens?
Do you already have animals and need to upgrade, enlarge or improve their containment?
From hamsters to horses, birds to buffalo - there is a welded or woven wire mesh fencing available to do the job right.
For small animals, there are galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated meshes available.
- Cages for canaries, for example, can be made using light weight galvanized after weave 1/2" hex netting.
- For larger birds, welded meshes such as 1/2"x1", 1"x1", 1"x2" and 1/2"x3" can be used to make cages.
- Chicken, turkeys and game birds require larger pens. Galvanized after weave and vinyl coated hex netting works well for the sides. You can use welded wire meshes for ground wire. The extra galvanizing and vinyl coating extends the life of the wire.
- Cages for rabbits, hamsters and the like can be made using 1/2"x1"and 1"x2" welded meshes. Galvanized after weld products, when used, will last longest.
Larger animals require stronger meshes made from heavier gauge wire. Opening size of the mesh can be larger.
- Dogs - smaller dogs can be contained with 16 gauge 2"x2" woven or 2"x3" welded wire mesh. For large dogs, 2"x4" mesh works well. This is available in woven 12.5 gauge and welded 14, 12.5 and 11 gauge galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated.
- Horse corrals can be made with 12.5 gauge flexible woven horse fence in a 2"x4" or diamond mesh pattern.
- Secure enclosures for sheep and goats can be made using 12.5 gauge 4"x4" woven mesh.
- For ostrich & emu pens use 12.5 gauge 2"x4" woven mesh.
- Use field fence for cow pastures. There are different choices of 1047 style available.
- Extra tall (up to 10') woven fences are excellent for deer and wildlife containment or exclusion.
Whatever size and type of animal you have, there is welded or woven wire fencing mesh that will keep them safe and secure.
Care to share your own experiences?
Posted by Frank Langone on Wed, Jun 10, 2009
Animals come in all shapes and sizes. So do the welded and woven wire fences and meshes used to enclose them. The kind of mesh you use makes a difference. The following recommendations can help you make the right choice.
Poultry - chickens, game birds, etc.
Hexagonal netting, also known as hex net and chicken wire, is the ideal product to use. This fence is available in GBW (galvanized before - 20 gauge) GAW (galvanized after - heavier 18 gauge) and black VC (vinyl coated - 20 gauge "core" wire) finishes. VC and GAW meshes are thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion and last the longest. Rolls are 150' long and come in 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" 72", 84" and 90" widths. The 1" hex opening makes a secure and predator-proof fence for your birds. The black vinyl coating is virtually invisible from a distance so you can easily see them.
Canaries
Canary cages can be built using 1/2" hexagonal woven netting. This light weight 23 gauge GAW woven mesh is the recommended product to use. Rolls available are 48" wide and 25', 50' and 150' long. Small 1/2" mesh keeps the birds safe. The thin wire mesh lets you see the birds.
Rabbits - ferrets, etc.
Welded wire meshes are used to make rabbit cages and hutches. 16 gauge, 1/2"x1" is the ideal mesh size to use for flooring. Widths available - 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72". GAW finish is recommended due to its ability to stand up to the corrosive effects of rabbit urine. 14 gauge, 1"x2" mesh is the perfect size for the sides and top. GBW wire can be used for these panels. These products will keep your rabbits and other small animals safe and secure.
Other meshes are also available that can be used to make cages and pens for larger animals such as:
- apron fence for beagle training pens
- woven diamond mesh and 2"x4" mesh for horses
- woven deer and wildlife fence
Fences and meshes are available for any type of animal enclosure.