What Size Mesh To "large Bird" Proof Bird Table

[peachybabe]

I have loads of bird tables and feeders and can't afford to replace them all, so I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what size of metal mesh I could use to allow small birds access to the tables and keep pidgeons and starlings etc off. I don't mind feeding the larger birds seperately, but I do object to them terrorising the smaller ones (especially the sparrows which are fairly rare now).

[TheHangman]

Chicken wire

[peachybabe]

Will that be big enough?

[Tilly2]

I have a large wrought iron basket that goes over one of my feeders.
It looks like an inverted hanging basket. It keeps the big birds out but the little ones can get in and out safely. I got it from a garden centre.
Chicken wire would be too small.

[ladybirder]

Chicken wire is too small. I would say about 4 sq cm. Have a look on the RSPB site, in their Shop where they sell things to keep the bigger birds off. They may tell you the size.

[peachybabe]

Many thanks to all. Will try both ideas!

[jamesnan]

Apparently chicken wire comes in 2 sizes and the larger one has a 50mm mesh size. (so I am told!)

[TheHangman]

The large size should be ample and you can but it by the metre so reduces cost.

[TheHangman]

buy not but

[wildwood]

50mm is good. Try and get the square stuff, the octagon holes may panic the birds when they go through and it brushes their wings.

[cecil39]

thanks for asking this question Peachybabe, I have been watching 14 black birds hogging all the food on the bird table, although I feed them on the ground as well, my bird table has a roof so should be easy to enclose.

[peachybabe]

Many thanks all! Will be off to the DIY store asap. A couple of metres of 50mm coming up..............