Of wire the following sizes are suitable for birds:
| Number | 6 | Pelican. | ||
| Number | 7 | Wild turkey, swan. | ||
| Number | 8 | Eagles. | ||
| Number | 9 | Loon, goose, large herons. | ||
| Number | 10 | Seagull, large ducks, hawks, owls, and fish hawk. | ||
| Number | 11 or 12 | Medium size ducks, herons, and similar. | ||
| Number | 13 or 14 | Small ducks and grouse. | ||
| Number | 15 | Small herons, and medium owls. | ||
| Number | 16 | Doves, small owls. | ||
| Number | 17 or 18 | Bob white, jay, robin, snipe. | ||
| Number | 19 | Blackbird, waxwing, oriole. | ||
| Number | 20 | Bluebird, cardinal. | ||
| Number | 21 to 24 | Warblers, wrens, titmouse, finches. | ||
| Number | 26 | North American humming bird. |
For quadrupeds:
| Number | 7 | Wild cat. | ||
| Number | 8 | Foxes. | ||
| Number | 10 | Raccoon, wood chuck. | ||
| Number | 11 | Skunk, opossum. | ||
| Number | 12 or 13 | Muskrat, rabbit. | ||
| Number | 14 or 15 | Mink, large squirrels. | ||
| Number | 17 or 18 | Weasel, bull frog, and small squirrels. |
These sizes are approximate, varying with size of the individual specimen and the required attitude wanted. For instance, a bird mounted with wings spread would be better for a large size wire than if in a resting position. An animal crouched does not require as heavy supports as one upright or in action. It is best to give the specimen the benefit of the doubt, as nothing is more disastrous than to have an otherwise well mounted subject sag down and spoil the entire effect from lack of sufficient mechanical support. The best wire for this purpose is annealed, galvanized iron. Larger animals require Norway iron rod in the following sizes: