7 Best Rabbit Cage Wire Mesh For Backyard Farms That Old-Timers Swear By
Learn what veteran farmers know. We review 7 top wire mesh options for rabbit hutches, focusing on the ideal gauge and size for durability and animal safety.
You’ve built the perfect wooden hutch frame, solid and square, but now comes the part that truly matters for the rabbit: the wire. It’s tempting to think all wire mesh is the same, but the old-timers who have been raising rabbits for generations know better. The right wire isn’t just about containment; it’s about sanitation, foot health, and predator protection, making it one of the most critical decisions for your backyard setup.
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Why Wire Gauge and Mesh Size Matter for Rabbits
Choosing cage wire is a balancing act between the animal’s welfare and the cage’s longevity. The two numbers you’ll see are gauge and mesh size, and they work together. Gauge refers to the thickness of the wire—a smaller number means a thicker, stronger wire. A 14-gauge wire is much sturdier than a 19-gauge wire.
Mesh size is the dimension of the openings, like 1"x2" or 1/2"x1". For flooring, you need a mesh small enough to support the rabbit’s feet comfortably but large enough for droppings to fall through. Get this wrong, and you’re setting yourself up for constant cleaning or, worse, sore hocks on your rabbits. For walls, the mesh can be larger to improve ventilation and reduce cost, as long as it keeps the rabbits in and predators out.
TWP Inc. 16-Gauge GAW: The Ultimate Hutch Floor
When it comes to hutch floors, there’s one acronym that matters more than any other: GAW, or Galvanized After Welding. This means the wire is welded together first and then dipped in zinc for galvanization. This process coats the entire mesh, including the vulnerable weld points where rust always starts.
TWP Inc. is a name that comes up again and again for good reason. Their 16-gauge, 1/2" x 1" GAW mesh is the gold standard for flooring for medium-sized breeds like New Zealands, Californians, and Satins. The 16-gauge wire is thick enough to support an adult rabbit without sagging, and the 1/2" x 1" mesh provides the perfect compromise between foot support and sanitation. It’s a premium product, but a floor made from this will outlast cheaper options by years, saving you the headache of rebuilding cages.
Louis E. Page GAW Mesh: A Heritage of Durability
Some brands earn their reputation over decades, and Louis E. Page is one of them. They’ve been supplying wire mesh for agricultural use since 1893, and that kind of longevity speaks for itself. Like TWP, they produce a top-tier GAW product that seasoned rabbit raisers trust implicitly.
What sets a heritage brand like this apart is often the consistency. The galvanization is thick and uniform, and the welds are strong. You’re paying for the peace of mind that the roll you buy today is just as good as the one you bought five years ago. For a permanent, multi-generational hutch, using their 14- or 16-gauge GAW wire is an investment in building something that lasts.
Red Brand 1"x2" Welded Wire: Ideal for Cage Walls
The walls and top of your hutch don’t face the same challenges as the floor. You don’t have to worry about constant moisture from urine, so you can prioritize ventilation and strength differently. This is where a product like Red Brand’s 1"x2" welded wire shines.
Typically made from 14-gauge wire, this mesh is more than strong enough to contain adult rabbits and deter predators like raccoons or stray dogs. The larger 1"x2" opening provides excellent airflow, which is crucial for preventing respiratory issues, especially in the summer heat. Red Brand is a trusted name in farm fencing, and their welded wire is a reliable, cost-effective choice for the sides and top of any hutch.
YARDGARD Hardware Cloth for Secure Kindling Boxes
Newborn kits are incredibly vulnerable. They are tiny, blind, and can easily slip through the standard 1/2" x 1" floor wire. This is why a separate, secure kindling box is non-negotiable, and the right wire for it is hardware cloth.
YARDGARD is a widely available brand that makes excellent 1/2" x 1/2" or even 1/4" x 1/4" hardware cloth. This fine, sturdy mesh is perfect for lining the bottom of a nest box to allow for drainage while keeping the kits safely inside. Some breeders also run a 4-inch-tall strip of this "baby saver" wire along the bottom interior of the main cage. This simple addition prevents curious kits from poking their heads through the larger wall mesh and getting stuck.
Amagabeli Vinyl Coated Wire for Rust Resistance
In particularly wet or humid climates, rust is a relentless enemy. While GAW wire is excellent, some folks add another layer of defense with vinyl coated (VC) wire. The vinyl coating completely seals the metal from the elements, offering superior corrosion resistance.
Amagabeli offers a range of VC welded wire that works well for cage walls and tops. The smooth coating is also a bit gentler on the rabbits if they brush against it. The primary tradeoff is that a determined rabbit can chew the vinyl off over time, which is why it’s not the first choice for flooring. But for the rest of the cage, especially in coastal areas or the damp Pacific Northwest, it’s a smart choice for maximizing the life of your hutch.
Bekaert 14-Gauge GAW: For Larger Rabbit Breeds
Not all rabbits weigh eight pounds. If you’re raising larger breeds like Flemish Giants, Checkered Giants, or French Lops, a standard 16-gauge floor just won’t cut it. The extra weight will cause the floor to sag, creating uncomfortable pressure points and leading to severe sore hocks.
For the heavyweights, you must step up to 14-gauge GAW wire. Bekaert is a global leader in wire manufacturing, and their heavy-duty agricultural wire is exactly what’s needed. Using their 14-gauge, 1/2" x 1" GAW mesh for the floor provides the rigid support these big rabbits require. It’s tougher to cut and bend, but it’s the only responsible choice for ensuring the health and comfort of a 15-pound rabbit.
Producer’s Pride Welded Wire: An Accessible Choice
Sometimes, you just need to get a cage built right now, and a trip to the local farm supply store is your only option. Producer’s Pride, the house brand for Tractor Supply, offers a range of welded wire that is accessible and affordable. It gets the job done for walls, tops, and even floors in a pinch.
The key thing to understand is that most readily available store brands use wire that is Galvanized Before Welding (GBW). The zinc coating is burned off at each weld, leaving a tiny, unprotected spot that will be the first to rust. This means a cage built with this wire won’t last as long as one made with GAW. However, for a temporary grow-out pen or if you’re just starting and on a tight budget, it’s a perfectly practical and workable solution.
Ultimately, the wire you choose is a direct investment in the health of your animals and the longevity of your equipment. A few extra dollars spent upfront on quality, GAW wire for your floors will save you countless hours and frustrations in repairs and replacements down the road. Build it right the first time, and you can focus on what really matters: raising healthy, happy rabbits.
