Sophie Bennett
Constructing a chicken wire fence is a great way to protect your garden, keep your chickens safe, or create a simple enclosure. It is a relatively easy project that requires only basic tools, planning, and hard work. Before starting, it is important to measure your enclosure area to calculate the correct amount of chicken wire and number of fence posts needed. The type of fence posts you can choose from include T-posts, U-posts, and wooden fence posts. The fence should provide at least four square feet of space per chicken. This paragraph will outline the steps to putting up 100 feet of chicken fence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fence height | 4-foot minimum; 6-foot recommended |
| Fence material | PVC-coated or galvanized chicken wire, welded wire, hogwire, chain link, wood |
| Fence spacing | 3-foot minimum; 4-foot recommended |
| Post type | T-posts, U-posts, wooden fence posts |
| Post spacing | 8-10 feet apart |
| Post depth | 6-8 inches deep |
| Trench depth | 12 inches deep |
| Gate | Freely swinging, without rubbing the ground |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and marking your fence line
Determine the layout and size of your fence
Decide on the shape and size of your fence by considering the area you want to enclose. If you are building a fence for a chicken coop or run, plan the layout accordingly. Mark the corners and gate locations of your fence. Gates should be positioned for easy access, keeping in mind walkways and proximity to water sources.
Measure the perimeter
Use a measuring tape to determine the length and width of the perimeter. This measurement will help you calculate the required amount of chicken wire and the number of fence posts needed. For a 100-foot fence, you will need to purchase enough chicken wire to cover this distance and enough posts to space them optimally, which is generally eight to ten feet apart for stability.
Mark the perimeter
Once you have determined the layout and size of your fence, it's time to mark the perimeter. Use spray paint or another suitable marking tool to outline the fence line clearly. This step ensures that your fence installation is straight and even. Snap a mason's line between stakes and lightly spray along it to guarantee a perfectly straight fence line.
Check angles and distances
It is important to ensure that your fence line is straight and accurate. Use a carpenter's square or a simple 3-4-5 triangle to check distances and right angles as you walk the length of the marked perimeter. This double-checking step ensures that your fence will be installed correctly and reduces the risk of errors.
By following these steps for planning and marking your fence line, you will be well on your way to installing a sturdy and functional chicken wire fence that meets your specific requirements.
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Securing your fence posts
Planning and Preparation:
Begin by laying out the perimeter of your fence, marking the locations for your fence posts. For better stability, it is recommended to reduce the spacing between the posts. Typically, T-posts are spaced approximately 2 to 2.5 meters apart, but you can adjust this distance to suit your specific needs. Use spray paint or string to mark the locations, ensuring that the post holes will face each other for proper alignment.
Installing Fence Posts:
Dig holes for your posts, making sure the depth is approximately one-third of the post's length. This ensures a sturdy base for your fence. Use a post driver or mallet to drive the end posts firmly into the ground, securing them in place. A helpful tip is to use a spirit level to check if your posts are straight, consistently oriented in the same direction, and at the same height.
Attaching Chicken Wire:
Now it's time to attach the chicken wire to your posts. For wooden posts, a staple gun or heavy-duty stapler is your best option. Be sure to staple the wire mesh three times along each post section and along the top and bottom wooden frames, if applicable. You can also use zip ties or cable ties as a temporary measure before stapling. If you're using metal posts, tie wire or cable ties are more suitable. Ensure that you attach the mesh at regular intervals, typically every 15 cm, to maintain stability.
Preventing Burrowing:
If you're concerned about animals burrowing under the fence, it's important to secure the bottom of the fence. Dig a shallow trench, approximately 4 to 6 inches deep, and tuck the bottom edge of the mesh into it. You can then add backfill to prevent animals from digging their way in. Alternatively, you can create an L-shape barrier by bending the lower 6 to 8 inches of wire outward, forming a right angle that discourages burrowing.
Gate Installation:
If your fence design includes a gate, now is the time to install it. You can purchase a ready-to-hang gate or build one yourself using wooden posts and leftover materials. Ensure that the gate swings freely without rubbing the ground, and consider the placement to provide easy access to your chicken coop or garden.
By following these steps, you can effectively secure your fence posts and create a functional and durable chicken wire fence.
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Unrolling and securing the mesh
To unroll the mesh, lay out your wire mesh or PVC-coated chicken wire along the fence line. Starting at one end post, clamp or staple the mesh at the top corner using a staple gun with poultry staples, or wrap zip ties tightly around T-posts. As you move to the next post, pull the mesh taut to prevent sagging between supports. You can use a come-along or get 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 midway height to tie into. If you're enclosing animals that might dig at the bottom of the fence, you should also secure this spot. Dig a shallow trench (4–6 inches deep) and bury the mesh.
If you're using wire mesh, make sure to choose one with fairly small openings that neither chickens nor predators can get through. The small openings at the bottom keep poultry from slipping out and small predators from getting in. The fence should be at least four feet high, or higher if you keep a lightweight breed that likes to fly. Rolls of wire mesh come in different lengths and heights, so choose one that coincides with your fence post heights.
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Burying a trench to prevent predators from digging under
To prevent predators from digging under your chicken fence, you can bury a trench around the perimeter of the run. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you with the process:
First, decide on the type of material you want to use for the trench. Hardware cloth is a popular choice as it is durable, effective, affordable, and relatively easy to install and remove. Alternatively, you can use concrete pavers, which are heavy squares that make it difficult for predators to dig under. Other options include wire meshing or L-shaped footer fencing, which can be homemade or purchased.
Next, you'll need to prepare the trench. Mark out the perimeter of your chicken run and dig a trench that is at least 12 inches deep. If you're using hardware cloth, bend it so that it can be attached to the fence. You can also attach it to the chicken run and secure it with heavy-duty zip ties or hog rings. Make sure to overlap the sheets of hardware cloth by a few inches to ensure there are no gaps.
Once the hardware cloth is in place, bury it in the trench. Extend the hardware cloth a few inches outside the perimeter of the run and secure it to the ground with landscape staples. Cover it with dirt, sand, straw, wood pellets, or any other medium of your choice. You can also use concrete to secure the hardware cloth, but keep in mind that it will be difficult to remove later.
If you're using L-shaped footer fencing, bury it about a foot deep and extend it out at a 90-degree angle to create a horizontal barrier. The size of the wire mesh can be determined by the size of the animals you want to keep out. You can also lay the L-footer on the surface if digging is not feasible due to plants, roots, or rocky soil. Secure it with landscaping staples and cover it with soil, mulch, or allow grass to grow through it.
Additionally, consider adding a hot wire 6 inches above the ground to deter predators. This method is especially effective against canid-type predators.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively prevent predators from digging under your chicken fence, ensuring the safety of your flock.
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Routine checks and maintenance
A well-installed chicken wire fence requires little upkeep. However, to ensure the fence remains sturdy and secure, there are a few routine checks and maintenance tasks that should be performed.
Firstly, it is important to inspect the fence seasonally for any sagging, rust, or breaches along the bottom edge, especially if the fence is intended to keep out digging critters. This includes checking for loose mesh, gaps at corners, and sagging sections. If any issues are identified, it is important to promptly add reinforcements or make repairs to prevent breaches. For example, in high-stress areas near feeders or roosts, tacking on a length of hog wire or welded wire fence can provide extra durability.
Secondly, it is crucial to check for damage to the wire and posts periodically. This includes inspecting for breaks, rust, or weak spots. If any damage is found, it is important to replace or repair the affected sections immediately. Over time, the wire may loosen, so using staples, ties, or a wrench to re-tighten it can help maintain the fence's integrity.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the type of wire used can impact the maintenance requirements. For example, galvanised wire or plastic-coated wire may be more resistant to rust, while hexagonal netting or hex wire may be more prone to tearing and require greater care during handling and installation. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help extend the life of your chicken wire fence and ensure the safety and security of your chickens.
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