Sophie Bennett
Chicken wire fences are a versatile solution for enclosing chicken coops or runs, and they can also be used to protect gardens from small animals. PVC-coated chicken wire is lightweight, flexible, and holds up well against weather and general wear. To build a chicken fence with PVC, you will need materials such as PVC pipes, connectors, chicken wire, zip ties, and wooden stakes or T-posts. First, mark the perimeter of your fence and drive stakes or T-posts at each corner and gate location. Cut the PVC pipes to the desired length and connect them using connectors. Secure the chicken wire to the inside of the PVC frame using zip ties, and install a gate if needed. Finally, attach the completed sections to the stakes or T-posts, ensuring that the fence is taut and secure to prevent sagging and deter predators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To build a chicken fence that is sturdy, weatherproof, and flexible |
| Materials | PVC pipe, chicken wire, wooden stakes/posts, zip ties, spray paint, string, wire cutters, staples, cable ties, pliers, hammer, post driver, tensioning wire, radisseur, pegs |
| Planning | Measure and mark the length of the area for the fence, including post positions. Space posts 2-2.5 meters apart for stability. |
| Installation | Dig holes for posts, ensuring depth is 1/3 of the post's length. Use a spirit level to ensure posts are straight and the same height. Unroll mesh and secure with staples, zip ties, or cable ties. Pull mesh taut to prevent sagging. Secure mesh at 12-18 inch intervals. Dig a trench along the fence line (15-30 cm deep) and place the bottom edge of the netting into it, securing with pegs. |
| Additional Considerations | Bury the fence to prevent animals from digging underneath. For durability, pair PVC-coated chicken wire with welded wire or hog wire in high-traffic areas. PVC coating offers protection against rust and enhances weather resistance. |
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What You'll Learn
Planning your fence line
Start by deciding the perimeter of your fence. Mark out the exact area where you want your chicken fence to stand. This will help you visualise the project and make necessary adjustments to the layout. Consider the size and shape of the area you want to enclose, ensuring it meets the needs of your chickens and your specific requirements.
Next, determine the placement of your fence posts. Drive wooden stakes or T-posts at each corner of the perimeter and at any gate locations. This will help you establish the structure of your fence line. Use spray paint or string to mark the positions accurately. Measure the distances between posts and ensure they are evenly spaced, typically around 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For enhanced stability, you can reduce the distance between posts.
Consider the height of your fence. The height will depend on factors such as the breed of your chickens and the presence of potential predators. For example, if your chickens are not strong fliers, a 4-foot fence may be sufficient. However, if you anticipate threats from eagles or other flying predators, a taller fence or an electric fence perimeter may be necessary.
Think about gate placement. Position your gate where it is most convenient to access your chicken coop or garden. Consider the proximity to walkways, water sources, and other relevant features. Ensure that the gate provides easy entry and exit for you while also being secure enough to protect your chickens from any potential threats.
Mark the fence line using spray paint or string. Snap a mason's line between the stakes and lightly spray along it to ensure a perfectly straight fence line. Measure twice to confirm the accuracy of your markings. This step is crucial for ensuring a neat and precise fence installation.
By carefully following these steps, you will have a well-planned fence line that serves as a strong foundation for building your chicken fence with PVC. Remember to consider your specific needs and make adjustments accordingly throughout the planning process.
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Securing your posts
Mark the post positions: Using spray paint or string, measure and mark the length of the area where you plan to attach the chicken wire. Space the posts about 2 to 2.5 meters apart. For increased stability, you can place them closer together. Mark the positions of the posts with spray paint or string to ensure a straight line.
Dig holes for the posts: Dig holes for your wooden or T-posts, ensuring that the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. Place the posts in the holes and use a spirit level to ensure they are straight and verify they are all the same height.
Secure the posts: For wooden posts, use a hammer and staples to secure the chicken wire to the posts. Alternatively, you can use a staple gun with poultry staples or zip ties. If using T-posts, clamp or staple the chicken wire at the top corner, and then pull it taut as you move to the next post to prevent sagging. Secure the wire at 12 to 18-inch intervals vertically, working from top to bottom.
For added stability: If you want to enhance the stability of your fence, consider using wooden posts as they offer greater durability than T-posts. Additionally, you can install a horizontal wire or rail at midway height to provide extra strength.
Protect against burrowing: To prevent animals from burrowing under the fence, dig a trench along the fence line, approximately 15-30 cm deep. Place the bottom edge of the chicken wire into the trench and secure it with pegs every 60 centimeters. Backfill the trench with soil to deter burrowing animals.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your chicken fence posts are securely installed and provide a strong foundation for the rest of the fence.
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Attaching chicken wire
As you move to the next post, pull the mesh taut to prevent sagging between supports. You can use a come-along or ask a helper to keep the tension even. Secure the mesh at 12–18-inch intervals vertically, working from top to bottom. For extra strength, install a horizontal wire or rail at mid-way height to tie into.
If you are using wooden posts, you can also use a hammer and nails to attach the chicken wire. If you are planning on enclosing chickens or other small animals, it is important to secure the bottom of the fence to prevent burrowing. To do this, dig a shallow trench (4–6 inches deep) and place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench. Secure it with pegs every 60 centimetres and then backfill the trench with soil.
Another method for attaching chicken wire to PVC pipes is to cut the pipe into sections and use connectors to join them together. For example, cut each 10' section of pipe in half and use t-connectors and smaller sections of PVC pipe to attach the chicken wire. You can also use 3-way side elbows with a male adapter for the corners.
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Adding PVC coating
PVC-coated chicken wire is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to work with, especially for beginners. It is also sturdy and holds up well against general wear and tear. The coating can also make your fence more aesthetically pleasing, as the metallic look of galvanised steel may not suit all garden settings.
To add PVC coating to your chicken wire, you can either purchase pre-coated wire or apply the coating yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need to purchase a PVC coating product suitable for metal surfaces. Make sure the chicken wire is clean and dry before applying the coating, and follow the instructions on the product carefully. You may need to apply multiple coats for the best results.
Another option is to use PVC pipe and connectors to frame your garden or chicken run. This method provides a sturdy and flexible structure that is easy to work with. You can cut the PVC pipe to the desired length and connect the sections together with various connectors, such as T-connectors, elbows, and male adapter sockets. This creates a stable frame to which you can attach your chicken wire.
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Burying the fence
Place the bottom edge of the netting into the trench, ensuring that it overlaps with the chicken wire or PVC pipe fence. Secure the netting in place with pegs every 60 centimeters. Backfill the trench with soil, tamping it down as you go to ensure that it is compact and secure.
For added protection against burrowing animals, you can also install a horizontal wire or rail at midway height along the fence. This can be tied into the fence posts or secured with staples or zip ties. This will provide extra strength and make it more difficult for animals to dig under the fence.
When burying the fence, it is also important to consider the stability of the fence posts. For increased stability, reduce the distance between the posts. The posts should be spaced approximately 2 to 2.5 meters apart, but you can reduce this distance for a stronger fence. Additionally, ensure that the posts are installed straight and are all the same height by using a spirit level.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need PVC-coated chicken wire, wooden stakes or T-posts, a staple gun with poultry staples, zip ties, and a wire cutter.
First, lay out your perimeter and mark your fence line. Then, unroll the PVC-coated chicken wire and secure it to the posts with staples or zip ties. Pull the mesh taut to prevent sagging and secure it at regular intervals.
PVC-coated chicken wire is lightweight, flexible, and easy to cut. It holds up well against weather and general wear. It also offers extra protection against rust and enhances the wire's lifespan.
