Use 1/2" Hardware Cloth (Not Chicken Wire)

Replace chicken wire with 1/2" or 1/4" galvanized hardware cloth on all sides, top, and bottom of quail enclosures. Secure it to the frame using screws with washers or heavy-duty staples, leaving no gaps larger than 1/2 inch.

Why It Works

Chicken wire is designed to contain poultry, not exclude predators. Raccoons can reach through its openings, and smaller predators like weasels and snakes pass through easily. Hardware cloth has a tight, welded grid that resists tearing and bending. The 1/2" mesh blocks raccoon paws, while 1/4" mesh stops even juvenile snakes.

Tips

• Overlap seams by at least 2 inches and secure with hog rings or J-clips to prevent gaps
• Use 19-gauge or heavier cloth -- lighter gauges can be bent by determined raccoons
• Inspect attachment points monthly, as staples can loosen over time from weather and vibration