Attaching Chicken Wire To A Chain Link Fence: Easy Steps

Chicken wire can be attached to a chain-link fence using cable ties, hog rings, or small-gauge wire. Zip ties are a popular choice for their convenience and ease of installation, but they may not be the best option for long-term use as they can weather and break over time. Hog rings, on the other hand, offer a more sturdy solution but may require additional tools like pliers for installation. Another option is to use small-gauge wire to intertwine the chicken wire with the chain link, though this method can be time-consuming and hard on the fingers.

Zip ties, hog rings, or wire

Zip ties are a popular choice for attaching chicken wire to a chain-link fence. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and can be found at any hardware store. Black zip ties are preferable to white ones as they are more resistant to UV light. However, some people have reported that their hens have managed to peck zip ties off, and they can weather and break over time.

Hog rings are another option for attaching chicken wire to a chain-link fence. They are U-, C-, or D-shaped and are pressed together to create a ring. They are made from heavy-gauge wire and are exceptionally strong. They are also weather-resistant and easy to install. C-shaped rings are better for chain-link fencing as they are more flexible, less likely to damage the fence wire, and have better tension distribution. Blunt-ended hog rings are preferable to sharp-ended ones for fencing. Hog rings are very secure, but they can be difficult to remove. To install hog rings, use hog ring pliers to squeeze the ends of the hog ring together until it forms a tight circle around the fencing and wire.

Chicken wire can also be attached to a chain-link fence using wire. Small-gauge wire can be wrapped through the chicken wire and then through the chain-link on the kennel frame. The chicken wire can also be cut in spots and intertwined with the chain-link. However, this method can be painful on the fingers.

Attaching to wooden posts

Chicken wire can be attached to wooden posts using staples. The staples should be placed at 15cm intervals, with at least one staple for every third hole to fix the mesh tightly to the wood. A staple gun can be used to make the job quicker and easier.

Before attaching the chicken wire, it is recommended to sand the wooden posts until they are smooth, making them easier to handle. The chicken wire should be unrolled and placed on top of the wooden posts, with a slightly bigger piece of chicken wire cut along the length of the frame. When attaching the wire, it is important to pull the mesh taut, but not to overstretch it, as the holes can get easily distorted if pulled with too much force in one direction.

To avoid injury, it is recommended to use protective gloves and needle-nose pliers to turn the sharp edges of the wires that are cut at the back of the frame.

As an alternative to staples, some people use small-gauge wire to wrap through the chicken wire and then through the chain link on the kennel frame. Zip ties can also be used to attach chicken wire to wooden posts, although these may weather and break over time.

Attaching to metal posts

Attaching chicken wire to metal posts is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide:

Prepare the Chicken Wire

Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials, including chicken wire, cable ties, pliers, wire cutters, gloves, and a tape measure. Measure the length of the metal posts and cut the chicken wire to the appropriate size, adding a few extra centimetres to allow for overlap. It is important to wear gloves when working with chicken wire to protect your hands from the sharp edges.

Attach the Chicken Wire

Place the cut chicken wire against the metal posts, ensuring it is straight and taut. Secure the chicken wire to the posts using cable ties, also known as zip ties. Place the cable ties at 15 cm intervals to ensure a strong and stable connection. Avoid overtightening the cable ties, as this can cause damage or reduce flexibility.

Secure the Netting

To enhance the stability of the structure, secure the netting to the ground by inserting pegs into the soil every 60 centimetres. Ensure that the hooks of the pegs catch the bottom of the chicken wire. For added security, you can dig a trench along the fence line, place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench, and backfill it with tightly packed soil.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken wire is securely attached to the metal posts, you can cut off any excess plastic from the cable ties for a neat finish. Ensure that the cable ties are not too tight, as this can affect the stability of the fence over time due to temperature changes and impact.

By following these steps, you can effectively attach chicken wire to metal posts, creating a sturdy and functional fence.

Attaching to the bottom of a fence

Chicken wire can be attached to the bottom of a chain-link fence in several ways. One option is to use cable ties or zip ties to secure the chicken wire to the fence. Start by pulling the netting taut against the fence and then use cable ties to secure the overlapping sections, placing them at roughly 15 cm intervals. You can also use staples to attach chicken wire to wooden posts, placing them at least every third hole or at 15 cm intervals.

Another method is to use hog rings, which are suitable for projects where the connection doesn't need to be tightly cinched. You can also intertwine the chicken wire with the chain-link fence by cutting the chicken wire in spots and wrapping wire through both fences.

To enhance the stability of the chicken wire, bury the bottom edge several centimetres underground to prevent animals from digging underneath. You can also bend the lower 6-8 inches of wire outward at a right angle to form an "L" shape, which further discourages burrowing.

Intertwining chicken wire with chain-link

One method is to use small-gauge wire and wrap it through the chicken wire, then through the chain-link. You can also cut the chicken wire in spots and intertwine it directly into the chain-link. This method can be time-consuming and hard on your fingers, so it may be worth wearing protective gloves.

Another option is to use hog rings, which are often used for projects where you don't need to cinch things down too tightly. Hog rings are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk online or from hardware stores. You can also use pliers to close the hog rings, which will create more tension and a sturdier hold.

Alternatively, you can use cable ties to attach the chicken wire to the chain-link. This method is best for metal posts and should be placed at 15 cm intervals to ensure a strong and stable connection. Make sure not to overtighten the cable ties.

If you are using wooden posts, staples are the best option. You can hammer these in or use a staple gun for a quicker and easier process. As with cable ties, attach the staples at 15 cm intervals.

Frequently asked questions