Constructing A Chicken Wire Fence: Gate Installation Guide

Building a chicken wire fence with a gate can be a simple and cost-effective way to protect your garden or chicken coop from critters and other animals. The process can be completed in a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the fence and whether you need to install a trench or gate. To get started, you'll need to plan the perimeter of your fence and mark the locations of your posts and gates. You can then install the posts and attach the chicken wire fencing, ensuring that it is secure and reinforced to prevent animals from digging underneath. Finally, you can install a gate, either by purchasing a ready-made one or building your own using wooden posts and leftover fencing material.

Planning: Lay out the perimeter, marking gate locations

Planning is an important step in building a chicken wire fence with a gate. To begin, you must lay out the perimeter of your fence, deciding on the exact location of your garden fence or chicken run. Mark the corners of your fence by driving wooden stakes or T-posts into the ground. If your fence includes a gate, be sure to also mark the location of the gate by placing a stake or post where the gate will be positioned.

When planning the placement of your gate, consider accessibility to the areas within the fence, such as your vegetable garden or chicken coop. Think about the walkways and proximity to water sources to determine the most convenient location for the gate. Position the gate in a spot that allows easy access to the enclosed area.

To ensure a straight fence line, you can snap a mason's line between the stakes and lightly spray along it with spray paint. This technique guarantees a precise alignment for your fence. Additionally, it is important to measure twice to ensure accuracy. Walk the length of your planned fence, checking distances and right angles with tools like a carpenter's square or a simple 3-4-5 triangle.

If you are concerned about animals digging under the fence, you may need to dig a trench along the perimeter before installing the fence. A trench will help deter pests like moles or other small animals from burrowing underneath. The trench should be shallow, typically 4 to 6 inches deep, and you can tuck the bottom edge of the mesh into it before backfilling.

By following these planning steps, you will have a clear layout of your chicken wire fence's perimeter, including the placement of any gates. This preparation will make the installation process smoother and ensure that your fence functions effectively to protect your garden or chicken coop.

Trench: Dig a shallow trench to prevent pest entry

Trench digging is an important step in building a chicken wire fence to prevent pest entry. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

First, determine the dimensions and purpose of your trench. Decide on the depth, width, and length you require. Mark out the widths, lengths, and route of your trench using stakes and string. If you are digging a trench for electrical utilities or pipelines, ensure it is at least 2.5 feet deep to protect the pipes from frost, and never deeper than 4 feet. For pest prevention, a shallower trench will suffice, typically around 4 to 6 inches deep.

Before you begin digging, it is crucial to ensure the area is free of utility lines, pipes, roots, foundations, or other obstructions. Call 811 or a utility location service to identify any underground utilities and avoid potential hazards.

Now, you can start digging. You can use a variety of tools for this process, depending on the soil type and your preference. A trenching shovel is suitable for sandy loam soil. For harder soil, a hammer drill/SDS spade combo or a pickaxe can be used to break up the soil, followed by a shovel to remove the dirt. If you encounter roots, try to sever them with a Pulaski digging tool, pruning shears, or the pointed end of your shovel.

Remember to take safety precautions, especially with deeper trenches. Unsupported trenches can be dangerous due to the risk of collapsing soil. Any trench deeper than 3 feet or some shallower trenches in soft soil should be supported by sidewalls or dug in tiered levels (benching) to enhance stability.

By following these steps, you can effectively dig a shallow trench to prevent pest entry, ensuring the success of your chicken wire fence.

Posts: Drive wooden posts into the ground

Posts form the backbone of your fence, so it's important to get them right. You'll need to drive wooden posts into the ground at each corner of the perimeter you've marked out, and at any gate locations. You can buy ready-made fence gates or build your own from wooden posts and leftover welded wire fence panels.

When selecting your posts, it's important to choose wood that is durable and treated for outdoor use. Cedar, cypress, and pressure-treated wood are all good options. The posts should be at least 3 feet long and about 1 inch in diameter. If you're using T-posts, these should be driven deep into the ground for stability. For a more permanent structure, you can also set wooden posts in concrete. Dig a hole about 24 inches deep, fill it with gravel, and then pour in the concrete.

Once your posts are in place, you can attach the chicken wire. You can use a staple gun to attach the wire to the posts, but make sure to leave enough slack in the wire so that it can be pulled taut once it's attached. Start at one end of the fence and work your way down, stretching the wire as you go.

If you're installing a gate, now is the time to do it. You'll need to ensure that the gate swings freely and doesn't rub against the ground. You may need to adjust the hinge spacing or trim the bottom edge of the gate to achieve the correct clearance.

Finally, walk the perimeter of your fence to check for any loose mesh, gaps at corners, or sagging sections. You can add reinforcements in high-stress areas, such as near feeders or roosts, by tacking on a length of hog wire or welded wire for extra durability.

Gate installation: Install a ready-to-hang gate or build one from scratch

Installing a gate in your chicken wire fence is a crucial step, making maintenance a breeze. You can either install a ready-to-hang gate or build one yourself.

If you're purchasing a ready-made gate, you can find them at hardware stores like Home Depot or on local selling sites. Ensure the gate swings freely without rubbing the ground; you may need to trim the bottom edge or adjust hinge spacing.

Alternatively, you can build a gate from scratch. Here are some ideas and instructions:

• Wooden Posts and Wire Mesh Gate: You can use wooden posts and leftover wire mesh, such as chain link fence panels or welded wire fence panels. Attach the mesh to the wooden frame with staples or hinge pins. Ensure the gate size and placement allow for easy access to your garden or chicken coop.
• Temporary Gate: If you need a quick solution, consider using firring strips to create a frame and stapling chicken wire to it. This method is ideal for temporary partitions or separating pens within a larger coop.
• C-links or Clips: If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive solution, C-links or dog leash-type clips can be used to create a gate opening in your chicken wire fence. You can also use heavy-duty wire strands or carabiner clips for easy access.
• Plastic Poultry Fence: For a lightweight and colourful option, consider using plastic poultry fencing, which looks like chicken wire but is made of green plastic. You can cut the fencing where you want to pass through and use bungee cords to hold the edges together when closed.

Remember to plan for additional time if installing a gate, as it requires separate steps, and ensure that your gate swings freely and provides easy access to your enclosed area.

Maintenance: Check for loose mesh, gaps and sagging sections

To maintain a chicken wire fence, it is important to conduct routine checks and walk the perimeter to look for loose mesh, gaps at corners, and sagging sections. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your fence is well-maintained:

Maintenance Checks

• Loose mesh and gaps : Regularly inspect the wire mesh for any loose sections, especially at the corners, and secure them with staples, ties, or a wrench to tighten them.
• Sagging sections : Over time, the wire may sag between support posts. Use tools such as a come-along or ask a helper to pull the mesh taut and maintain even tension across the fence.
• Ground gaps : Weather conditions, burrowing animals, or shifting soil can create gaps beneath the fence. Promptly fill these gaps to maintain security and prevent animals from crawling under the fence.
• Reinforcement in high-stress areas : Near feeders or roosts, tack on additional hog wire or welded wire fence material to provide extra durability and reduce wear and tear.
• Rusted staples and corroded wire : Inspect for any rusted or corroded fasteners and replace them promptly to prevent breaches and maintain the structural integrity of the fence.

Preventative Measures

• When installing the fence, ensure proper post spacing to prevent sagging wire.
• Set the fence posts deep enough into the ground to withstand wind and external forces.
• Secure the bottom edge of the fence to prevent burrowing animals from entering.
• Opt for higher-gauge wire if you live in an area with predators like raccoons.

Frequently asked questions