Attaching Chicken Wire Fence: The Best Way To Secure Your Coop

Chicken wire fencing is a versatile solution for a variety of purposes, from enclosing a chicken coop to protecting your garden or creating a simple enclosure for pets. Attaching chicken wire to the side of your house can be a straightforward process, even for beginners, and can be done in just an afternoon with some basic DIY skills and tools. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully attach chicken wire to the side of your house, ensuring a sturdy and functional fence.

Prepare the fence posts

Preparing the fence posts is a crucial step in installing a chicken wire fence. The type of fence posts you can use includes T-posts, U-posts, or wooden fence posts. The number of fence posts you will need depends on the size of your enclosure area. It is recommended to provide at least four square feet of space per chicken.

Once you have determined the number of fence posts, you should mark the perimeter of your fence. Use spray paint or another marking tool to clearly outline the shape and size of your fence. This step will ensure that your fence is installed in straight and even lines.

After marking the perimeter, it is time to install the fence posts. For wooden posts, you can pour concrete into the post holes if desired, although this is not necessary if the soil is firm. Drive the wooden posts into the ground using a sledgehammer or post driver, ensuring that they are at least six to eight inches deep to prevent shifting over time. Before attaching any wire, treat the wooden posts with a weather-resistant stain or paint to protect them from the elements.

If you are using metal T-posts, drive them into the ground until only 4-6 inches of the top post remains above the ground. The ribbed design of the T-posts helps the mesh grip better, reducing the need for additional fasteners.

Once your fence posts are securely installed, you can proceed to the next step of attaching the chicken wire.

Measure and cut the chicken wire

When measuring and cutting chicken wire, it's important to consider the height and length of the fence you want to create. First, measure the height and length of the location where you plan to attach the chicken wire, adding a few extra centimetres to allow for overlap with any existing fencing or wooden frames.

Next, purchase chicken wire that coincides with your height measurements. For example, if you have six-foot-tall posts, you'll need six-foot-tall chicken wire.

Now, lay out the wire mesh along your fence line. You can use PVC-coated chicken wire or, for added durability, pair it with welded wire fencing.

Once you've laid out the wire mesh, cut it to size with wire cutters or pliers. Be sure to wear protective gloves and safety goggles when cutting the wire to prevent any injuries.

After cutting the wire to size, you can start attaching it to your posts or frames. If you're attaching it to wooden posts or frames, use staples and a hammer or a staple gun. For metal posts, use cable ties to secure the wire.

Secure the wire to the posts

To secure chicken wire to wooden posts, you can use staples, a staple gun, or a hammer and poultry staples. For metal T-posts, you can use tie wire or cable ties.

Before attaching the wire, ensure the posts are firmly in the ground. For wooden posts, you can pour concrete into the post holes, but this is not necessary if the soil is firm. Metal T-posts should be driven into the ground so that only 4-6 inches remain above ground.

When attaching the chicken wire, start at one end post and work section by section. It is helpful to have someone hold and stretch the chicken wire as you work to keep it taut. Use staples at least every 15cm along the post, or every 6 inches if you prefer. You can also use a staple gun to make the job quicker and easier.

If you are attaching the chicken wire to a wooden fence, you can use wood screws for added security. Drill pilot holes through the mesh and into the posts to prevent splitting, and place screws every 6-12 inches down the posts and on both ends of the mesh.

Finally, seal any exposed metal areas with exterior-grade caulk or silicone sealant to prevent rusting and deterioration.

Dig a trench to prevent predators

Digging a trench is a crucial step in preventing predators from accessing your chicken coop. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Planning the Trench:

Before you start digging, it's important to plan out the path of your fence. Determine the desired length and location of your fence, considering any obstacles or challenges in the area. This will help you establish the extent of the trench you need to dig.

Digging the Trench:

The depth and width of your trench will depend on the specific requirements of your fence and the types of predators you aim to deter. A trench that is around one foot deep (approximately 30 cm) and 6-8 inches wide is generally recommended. You can use tools like a pickaxe or a rototiller to dig the trench, especially if you're dealing with hard or rocky soil. Alternatively, you can rent a small excavator or use a trencher, but keep in mind they may not be able to get extremely close to the fence due to their size.

Installing the Chicken Wire:

Once your trench is dug, it's time to install the chicken wire. Cut the chicken wire to the appropriate length, ensuring it fits snugly within the trench. Place the bottom edge of the chicken wire mesh into the trench, making sure it is straight and taut. Secure the chicken wire to the ground by pegging it down every 60 centimeters or using landscape staples.

Backfilling the Trench:

After the chicken wire is in place, backfill the trench with soil. Pack the soil tightly around the chicken wire to ensure there are no gaps that animals can exploit. You can also use gravel or small rocks to fill in the trench, creating a stable barrier.

Additional Considerations:

If you want to reinforce the barrier even further, consider creating an L-shape with the bottom of the chicken wire. Bend the lower 6-8 inches of wire outward at a right angle to discourage burrowing. Additionally, you can use welded wire or hardware cloth instead of chicken wire for added durability.

By following these steps and digging a trench to install your chicken wire, you can effectively prevent predators from accessing your chicken coop or garden area.

Seal exposed metal to prevent rusting

To attach chicken wire fencing to the side of your house, you will first need to install fence posts. For wooden posts, you can pour concrete into the post holes, although this is not necessary if the soil is firm. Metal T-posts should be driven into the ground until only 4-6 inches remain above the surface.

Once your posts are in place, unroll your wire mesh and cut it to the desired length. You can then attach the mesh to the posts using staples or a staple gun, or zip ties. It is recommended to staple or tie the mesh to the posts at the top and bottom, and at least three times along each post section.

Now, for sealing exposed metal to prevent rusting:

Firstly, it is important to keep the metal away from moisture, as water reacts with iron to form rust. If possible, store metal objects in a low-moisture area or a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.

One way to prevent rust is to use an alloy such as stainless steel, which corrodes at a much slower rate than iron or standard steel. Applying a coating of oil can also prevent rust by inhibiting moisture from reaching the iron in the metal. However, this may not be suitable for all applications due to the oily residue.

You can also seal exposed metal by painting it with a good quality, oil-based paint. This will slow down rusting by preventing moisture from reaching the metal surface. If there are any welded joints or bolts, ensure that the paint covers these areas completely, as weak spots in the painted layer can lead to rust formation.

Another option for sealing and protecting exposed metal is to use a product called Penetrol, which is typically used as a paint additive. Penetrol can be applied directly to bare metal as a base coat, preserving the appearance of the metal while also preventing rust. After applying Penetrol, you can then add a top coat of polyurethane for a smooth finish.

If you want to preserve the appearance of rusted metal while preventing further corrosion, you can use a product like Everbrite Coating. This clear coating seals the rusted metal, preventing rust stains and drip onto surrounding areas. It also helps to extend the life of the steel by sealing out moisture.

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