Does anyone know if there is a big difference in size/sturdiness of 19 gauge vs 20 gauge wire mesh. I had been looking for 19 gauge 1/2", but found a good price on 20 gauge 1/2", which I know is finer. But how much finer?
It is for an indoor cage, so I do not need to worry about keeping anything out. But I do want to be ableto hang food dishes, maybe perches etc on it without it bending.
It is also plastic coated, so I thimk that will make it a little sturdier too.
Any thoughts?
19 gauge vs 20 gauge mesh
- nelloyello11
- Weaning
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:50 pm
- Location: Buffalo, NY
19 gauge vs 20 gauge mesh
Nelissa

1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)
1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)
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- Molting
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Re: 19 gauge vs 20 gauge mesh
I use the 1/2" plastic coated wire mesh from HomeDepot.
It is not SOLID like cage wire, but it is fine in my use.
I do have things hanging on the mesh.
But it will not support something like a perch that would clamp onto the cage bars. The perch would just sag as the wire mesh bends.
To support my baths. I clamp a piece of coat hanger wire onto the wire mesh next to the bath, so the wire mesh does not bend.
It is not SOLID like cage wire, but it is fine in my use.
I do have things hanging on the mesh.
But it will not support something like a perch that would clamp onto the cage bars. The perch would just sag as the wire mesh bends.
To support my baths. I clamp a piece of coat hanger wire onto the wire mesh next to the bath, so the wire mesh does not bend.
Gary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
red factor canary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
red factor canary
- Ursula
- Proven
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- Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:07 pm
- Location: Atlanta, GA
Re: 19 gauge vs 20 gauge mesh
I googled that and came up with a chart for wire mesh gauge size: http://www.steelwiremesh.net/Dynami/7.html Looks as if the difference is minimal, and I would go for it if I were you. Hope that helps! 

Walk-in aviary with Waxbills (6 Cordon Bleu, 3 Orange Cheek, 3 Black-rumped, 1 Lavender, ), 1 European Goldfinch, 4 Gouldians, 2 Spice Finches, 6 Owl Finches, 4 Budgies and 2 male Button Quail.
I also have 2 parrotlets, 3 dogs, 1 snake and 3 freshwater fishtanks.
I also have 2 parrotlets, 3 dogs, 1 snake and 3 freshwater fishtanks.
- nelloyello11
- Weaning
- Posts: 1901
- Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:50 pm
- Location: Buffalo, NY
Re: 19 gauge vs 20 gauge mesh
Thank you both very much for you replies. Ursula, you're right- it isn't much a difference.
Gary, would you be able to post a picture of your coat hanger set-up? I can't envision it.
Gary, would you be able to post a picture of your coat hanger set-up? I can't envision it.

Nelissa

1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)
1 NG (Peter), 2 SF/FF (Astrid & Nina) and 2 BC (Desmond & Penelope) Zebra finches
2 Owl Finches (Hedwig & Fawkes)
Painted turtle (Keeker)