Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth: Which Is Safer? + Why Patience Matters

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth for Coop Security 🐔

4. Personal Development: Cultivating Patience ✋

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

From Curious to Confident: My Wild Foraging Journey

Have you ever been on a walk and wondered, Is this plant safe to eat? Could it help me feel better? I used to ask myself that all the time. But honestly, I was too afraid to experiment—I mean, who wants to risk eating the wrong thing?

That’s when I found The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods. It’s like a lifeline for anyone curious about the wild plants around them. The photos? Crystal clear. The tips? Life-saving. It’s the guide I wish I’d had years ago. Now, I can finally tell the difference between a life-changing medicinal herb and its toxic twin.

Thanks to this book, I’ve learned how to turn simple plants into delicious meals and natural remedies. No more second-guessing. No more missed opportunities. Just me, my guide, and nature’s bounty.

If you’re ready to stop wondering and start foraging with confidence, grab your copy today. Dr. Nicole Apelian created this to make backyard foraging simple and safe, and trust me—it works.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

If you could save on groceries by making one food item last longer without refrigeration, what would you prioritize?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 High-protein foods like beans or lentils

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Shelf-stable vegetables or greens

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Carbohydrates like rice or pasta

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Multi-use ingredients like flour or cornmeal

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

Chicken Wire vs. Hardware Cloth for Coop Security 🐔

When it comes to keeping your chickens safe, deciding between chicken wire and hardware cloth is a big deal. Each option has its own strengths and drawbacks, so knowing what each can (and can’t) do will help you make the best choice.

What’s the Difference Between Chicken Wire and Hardware Cloth?

Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is made of thin, twisted wire in a hexagonal shape. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and great for quick projects. However, it’s not very strong against determined predators. Animals like raccoons, foxes, or even larger snakes can tear through it without much trouble, which makes it better for keeping chickens in than keeping predators out.

Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth is a whole different story. It’s made from thicker, welded galvanized steel wires and usually has small square openings. While it’s a bit more expensive and takes more effort to install, it’s built for durability and strong enough to stand up to most predators. If you want serious protection, hardware cloth is the stronger choice.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Strength and Durability: Hardware cloth is much tougher. Its thick, welded wires make it a real barrier, so predators can’t tear through it easily. Chicken wire, on the other hand, is more delicate and may need replacing sooner, especially if exposed to weather or animals testing its strength.

• Mesh Size and Shape: Hardware cloth usually has small square openings, which block smaller predators, while chicken wire has hexagon-shaped holes that might let smaller critters like snakes or rodents slip through.

• Purpose: If you’re mainly worried about keeping your chickens contained, chicken wire is fine. But if you need predator protection, hardware cloth is the way to go.

• Longevity: Hardware cloth, especially when galvanized, can last for decades without rusting or wearing down. Chicken wire, however, can rust quickly, especially in damp or wet areas, so you might find yourself needing to replace it more often.

• Cost: Hardware cloth is around 4-5 times more expensive than chicken wire, but because it lasts longer and requires fewer replacements, it can actually save you money over time.

Pros and Cons of Chicken Wire

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to handle, making installation simple.

• Affordable and widely available at most hardware and garden stores.

• Great for simple, temporary setups, or if you’re on a budget.

Cons

• Flimsy and prone to tearing, which isn’t ideal against predators.

• Rusts faster, especially if not galvanized, leading to shorter lifespan.

• Not strong enough for long-term use in harsh weather or for predator defense.

Pros and Cons of Hardware Cloth

Pros

• Made from strong galvanized steel, which lasts and resists rusting.

• Highly effective at keeping predators out, making it a great long-term solution.

• Requires less maintenance over time, saving you effort in the long run.

Cons

• More expensive than chicken wire, which can impact your coop budget.

• Heavier and more challenging to install (requires a bit more muscle and tools).

• Harder to cut; you may need wire cutters or power shears to work with it.

Pro Tip: Cutting hardware cloth can be tough on your hands, so grab a good pair of work gloves and some eye protection for any bits of metal that might fly off.

Tips for Installing Hardware Cloth

If you go with hardware cloth, here are a few tips to make sure it’s installed securely:

1. Measure Carefully: Before buying, measure all the areas you’ll need to cover—sides, floor, windows, and vents. Buy a bit extra so you have some wiggle room for overlapping or adjustments.

2. Pick the Right Mesh Size and Gauge: For a secure coop, go for a 1/2-inch mesh size to block smaller predators. Look for a wire gauge of 19 or thicker; this ensures it can handle any pressure from curious animals outside.

3. Use Screws and Washers: Attach the hardware cloth with screws and washers. The washers spread out the pressure, which prevents tearing. Place screws about 6 inches apart for a snug fit.

4. Overlap Sheets: If you need to use multiple sheets, overlap them by a few inches and secure the edges with heavy-duty zip ties or hog rings to avoid gaps.

5. Cover Sharp Edges: Protect your chickens from sharp edges by covering them with wood trim or similar materials. This not only adds safety but also gives the coop a cleaner look.

6. Check for Wear Regularly: Every so often, inspect the hardware cloth for rust or weak spots. If you see any damage, fix it right away to keep the coop secure.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Cultivating Patience ✋

With everything moving so fast these days, it feels almost revolutionary to slow down, doesn’t it? If you’re like most of us, you’ve probably noticed how homesteading tends to pull you toward a quieter, slower rhythm.

So, in this section, we’re diving into “slow living” and how it can help bring more patience, peace, and fulfillment to your homestead—and life in general.

Why Slow Living Feels So Good (Especially on the Homestead)

When you bring slow living into your days, you might start to notice some powerful shifts:

• Less Stress, More Peace: Slowing down can ease that constant push to get everything done right now. You don’t feel as pressured, which can mean way less stress. It’s amazing how much lighter you can feel when you’re not constantly pushing yourself to do more, more, more.

• A Stronger Connection to Nature: Slow living means taking time to notice the little things on your homestead—the changes in your garden, the sounds of your animals, the way the light changes with each season. You start to feel deeply connected to the land and to the natural rhythms around you.

• Better Quality Time with Family and Community: When you’re intentional about slowing down, it’s easier to make room for genuine interactions. Family time isn’t just about squeezing in a quick hello—it’s about being truly present and having real conversations. And for those of us in close-knit homesteading communities, slow living can foster a sense of togetherness.

Creating Your Own “Slow Living Plan”

If you’re interested in making slow living a regular part of your life, a simple plan can help. Here’s a quick outline to get you started:

1. Think About What You Want More Of: Take a few minutes to consider what you’d like to invite more of into your life. Is it peace, presence, or joy? Jot down one or two words that capture what slow living means to you.

2. Choose a Few Key Areas to Slow Down: Pick a couple of areas where you can start applying slow living principles. It could be mornings, garden time, mealtime, or family time. By starting small, you can build a habit without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Add Simple Rituals to Support Slow Living: Try adding small rituals to your day. Maybe you light a candle in the evening, put on calming music while cooking, or take a minute to look at the sunrise with a warm drink. These tiny acts make it easier to pause and appreciate the moment.

4. Set Aside “Unhurried” Time: Make a list of things you enjoy but don’t often have time for, like reading, crafting, or just relaxing outside. Aim to set aside an hour a week for one of these activities—no rush, no agenda, just time to unwind.

5. Start Small and Build Consistency: Slow living doesn’t happen overnight. Start with one or two changes and work your way up. Maybe begin with just one small habit each day, like a mindful morning routine. The key is to stay consistent, even if the steps feel small.

Reflect and Share Your Slow Living Intentions

Take a moment to think about a few areas where you’d like to slow down. Maybe share your thoughts with a friend or jot them down in a journal to help keep you grounded. You might be surprised at how much calmer and more enjoyable your days can be when you bring a little slowness into them.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What do you call a Christmas wreath with a sense of humor?

A wreath-diculous decoration.

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. When the gardener meets the mole:

@nietzsxhe

thanks for nothing, humans #gardening #moles #animal #fyp #funnyvideos

2. Warning: Don’t let those carrots fool you!

@gardening_with_deea

Big boy😂🥕 #garden #carrot #gardenmama40 #gardentok #vegetablegarden #growingfood #growingzone6a #harvest #gardenvibes #laugh #WeStickTogether #fyp

3. Looking for a running buddy? Turns out chickens might be up for the challenge—just watch this!

@failarmy

Cockadoodle-Don’t f*ck with me, lady! 🐓💢#FailArmy..#chicken #fail #funny #farm #funnyfail

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