Building A Tall Fence To Keep Chickens Safe

Building a 72-inch (6-foot) fence is a great way to protect your chickens from predators and keep them in a designated area. While chicken wire alone is typically used for ventilation, constructing a wooden frame around the outside can create a barrier against predators. The type of fence you build will depend on the local wildlife and the behaviour of your chickens. For example, if your chickens like to fly, you may need a fence higher than 72 inches.

Bury the wire to prevent predators from digging under

Burying wire mesh or chicken wire is an effective way to prevent predators from digging under your fence. There are several ways to do this, and the method you choose will depend on the type of predator, the terrain, and your budget.

One popular method is to use an L-shaped footer, also known as an apron. This involves burying wire mesh around the perimeter of the fence, extending it horizontally a few inches below the ground. The wire mesh should be firmly attached to the bottom of the fence using hog rings, J-clips, or wire. This creates a barrier that prevents animals from digging under the fence. The size of the wire mesh depends on the size of the animals you want to keep out. For smaller animals, you may need to use a finer mesh or smaller holes.

Another option is to create a trench along the fence line and bury wire mesh or chicken wire vertically straight down. This method may be more effective against larger predators as it provides a stronger barrier. However, it requires digging a trench, which can be labour-intensive and may not be feasible in rocky terrain.

If you are concerned about the wire mesh being damaged or dug under, you can place large rocks or concrete in the trench to protect the wire. Alternatively, you can use hardware cloth, which is more durable than chicken wire but also more expensive.

For dog owners, it is recommended to use PVC-coated mesh to prevent injury to your dog's paws. Burying the wire mesh about 30 cm deep and 30 cm wide along the fence line should be sufficient to prevent dogs from digging under.

In addition to burying wire, some people also use a hot wire a few inches above the ground to deter predators. This method can be effective against canid-type predators but may not work for all animals.

It is important to note that burying wire mesh or chicken wire may not be necessary if your chickens are locked up securely every night. Assess your specific needs and choose the method that best suits your requirements.

Use a combination of wooden fencing and wire mesh

Chicken fencing should achieve two main things: keeping predators out and keeping your chickens in. Foxes, badgers, hawks, and cats are some of the predators that may threaten your chickens. Chicken wire, also known as wire netting, is a cheap and adaptable option, but it is not durable and will degrade over time. It also won't stop predators unless it is reinforced with wooden posts or buried in the ground.

To build a 72-inch (6-foot) fence for your chickens, you can use a combination of wooden fencing and wire mesh. This provides both durability and visibility. Start by installing wooden fence posts firmly embedded in the ground. You can then attach wire mesh fencing to the posts. Make sure the wire mesh has fairly small openings—no more than one inch—to prevent chickens from escaping and small predators from entering. Bury the wire mesh at least 8–12 inches underground to prevent predators from digging underneath. You can also overlap the wire mesh with another length of wire to double up the bottom 3–4 feet of the fence for added protection.

If you want even more protection, you can opt for an electric fence. This can be combined with other types of fencing for added security. Electric fencing can be more expensive and requires regular maintenance, but it is effective at keeping out larger predators. Another option is to use galvanised chicken netting, also known as rabbit wire, which is a good old-fashioned way to keep chickens safe.

If you have a shorter fence that you want to extend, you can purchase fence kits to convert your existing fence to a taller chicken fence. These kits provide fencing, fence posts, accessories, and hardware to build a complete fence. Some kits even offer electric fence options.

Choose the right wire mesh with small openings

When building a 72-inch-high fence for chickens, it is important to choose the right wire mesh with small openings to keep the chickens in and predators out. While chicken wire, or wire netting, is a popular choice, it is not durable and will not keep predators out unless reinforced with wooden posts or panelling.

One option for wire mesh is the yard-and-garden fence, which has one-inch spaces at the bottom and wider spaces towards the top. The small openings at the bottom keep poultry from slipping out and small predators from getting in. This type of fence should be at least four feet high, or higher if you have lightweight breeds that like to fly.

Another type of wire mesh fence is poultry netting, also called hexagonal netting, hex net, or hex wire. This type of fence consists of thin wire twisted and woven together into a series of hexagons, giving it a honeycomb appearance. While this type of fence is lightweight and effective at keeping chickens in, it may not deter motivated predators from breaking through with brute strength.

For greater protection, you may consider an electric fence. While this option is more expensive and requires regular maintenance, it is effective at keeping larger predators out. You can also combine electric fencing with other types of fencing, such as wooden fencing, for added security.

When choosing wire mesh, it is important to consider the strength and durability of the material. The wire should be strong enough to withstand tearing by predators and durable enough to withstand degradation over time. The wire should also be properly installed, with the bottom buried 8-12 inches in the ground and turned outwards to prevent predators from digging underneath.

Install fence kits to extend an existing fence

To build a 72-inch fence for chickens, you can use a variety of materials, including chain link, wire mesh, and wood. While chicken wire is a popular choice, it needs to be reinforced with wooden posts and panelling to effectively keep predators out and chickens in.

To extend an existing fence, you can install fence kits, which are available in a variety of materials and colours to match your current fencing. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a fence extension kit:

First, remove the existing tek screws from the top of your fence. Then, attach joiners to the front and back of your current fence post. Reattach the tek screw onto the existing fence and slide on the extension post. Secure it in place with tek screws on both sides. Slide in the panel infill, ensuring the side with the larger blank space is at the top. You can identify this by looking for the "THIS SIDE UP" sticker. Secure the panels on the horizontal edge to the top of the existing fence rail. Insert and secure the top rail, screwing it to the infill panel for added stability and a clean finish. Finally, for a snug fit, lift the top rail slightly at the axis with the post and screw it to the post, maintaining tension. Repeat this on both ends to ensure a rattle-free and secure extension.

When extending an existing fence, it's important to precisely measure and match the current design, using durable materials to blend the old and new sections seamlessly. If you have a wooden fence, use pressure-treated pine posts to prevent rot and insect damage, and choose weather-resistant wood panels like cedar or redwood that match your existing boards. For metal fences, use post anchors for support and to prevent rust if attaching to concrete.

By following these steps and choosing the right materials, you can successfully extend your fence, boosting its aesthetics, functionality, and property value.

Consider the upfront cost and maintenance of materials

Chicken wire is a great option for inexpensive and versatile fencing. It is highly flexible, easy to install, and can be used for many types of outdoor home improvement projects. The upfront cost of chicken wire is relatively low compared to other fencing materials, and it can be purchased in a range of heights and lengths to suit your needs. For example, a 72" high galvanized steel fence with 1" x 1" spacing costs $$$ at Ace Hardware.

However, it's important to consider the maintenance required for chicken wire fencing. Common issues that arise include rust and corrosion of the wire mesh, loose or broken wires, and damaged posts or supports that compromise the fence's integrity. While these problems can be fixed with DIY solutions, regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the fence lasts as long as possible. Tools like wire cutters, industrial staplers, and fence stretchers can be used for fitting and maintenance.

The gauge size and weave size of the chicken wire will also impact the upfront cost and maintenance. A thicker gauge size, denoted by a smaller number, will be stronger but more expensive. A smaller weave size will provide more protection by keeping out smaller pests, but will also be more costly.

Another option for fencing material is welded wire fencing, which is more durable and better protects against larger predators like foxes. This option may be more expensive upfront but could require less maintenance in the long run. Vinyl fencing is another low-maintenance option, although it still requires occasional cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and stains.

When considering the upfront cost and maintenance of materials for a 72" high fence for chickens, chicken wire is a cost-effective and versatile option. However, regular maintenance is necessary to address issues like rust and loose wires. Alternatively, welded wire fencing or vinyl fencing could provide more durability with less maintenance, but at a potentially higher upfront cost.

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