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Chicken wire, or hex mesh, is a popular choice for fencing in chicken runs. It is made of thin, malleable steel wires woven with hexagonal openings and is affordable and easy to use. However, it is not always the best option for excluding larger predators. For greater protection, sturdier mesh such as hardware cloth is recommended. This type of mesh is made of thick metal wires with small openings and is designed to resist bending, tearing, and manipulation. Other options include welded wire fencing, electric net fencing, and aviary netting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Keeping chickens in, keeping pests and predators out |
| Chicken wire | Flexible, affordable, rusts quickly, not suitable for deterring predators |
| Hex mesh | Made of thin, malleable steel wires with hexagonal openings, affordable, keeps smaller predators out |
| Hardware cloth | Woven or welded wires in a square or rectangular grid, stronger than chicken wire, more expensive, smaller openings |
| Welded wire | Added security when attached to the floor, larger openings |
| Electric net fencing | Economical, protects from ground predators |
| Rabbit wire fencing | |
| Chain link fencing | Strong, keeps chickens in and dogs out, but raccoons can reach through |
| Aviary netting | Tough, can cope with snow load |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken wire for confinement vs hardware cloth for predator protection
Chicken wire is a lightweight metal fence mesh designed to keep chickens in designated areas. It is relatively easy to build and is also useful for containing other small animals. Chicken wire is not predator-proof, and it is intended to keep chickens confined to an area, not to prevent predators from reaching them. Chicken wire with a gauge of at least 1.2mm can be used for ultimate predator protection.
Chicken wire is typically made from galvanised wire, PVC plastic, vinyl, or welded galvanised steel wire, and is woven with hexagonal openings, usually an inch or more in diameter. Hexagonal chicken wire is typically better suited for things like garden fences, tomato cages, and greenhouses.
Hardware cloth, on the other hand, is fabricated from thick metal wires with small openings no greater than half an inch. It is designed to resist bending, tearing, and manipulation. Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but it provides better security against predators. When considering fencing options for coops and runs, the smaller the openings and the lower gauge of the metal, the better security it will provide.
While chicken wire can be used to create boundary barriers and wire mesh flooring to prevent predators from entering the coop or run, hardware cloth can be used to cover the floors of coops and runs to prevent predators from gaining access from below. It can also be attached to the wood framing of the walls, windows, vents, and doors with washers and screws, or heavy-duty fencing staples.
In conclusion, chicken wire is suitable for confining chickens and keeping them from escaping, while hardware cloth provides better protection against predators. Chicken wire is more affordable and easier to work with, but hardware cloth is a worthwhile investment for those seeking greater security for their flock.
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The gauge and dimensions of chicken wire
Chicken wire, also known as hex netting or poultry netting, is made of thin wire woven together to create hexagonal openings. It is relatively cheap but rusts quickly, and while it will keep chickens in, it will not keep out predators. Chicken wire mesh that is at least 10mm x 10mm is recommended to help prevent predation. For ultimate protection, chicken wire should have a gauge of at least 1.2mm.
If you're looking to exclude larger predators, you'll need to use sturdier mesh, as the thin wires of poultry netting can be torn or gnawed open. Hardware cloth, made of thick metal wires with small openings (no greater than half an inch), is designed to resist bending, tearing, and manipulation. It is fabricated by weaving or welding steel wires together, then hot-dipping them in zinc to protect them from rust. Vinyl-coated hardware cloth is another great way to avoid rust.
For chicken wire with larger openings, it is recommended to attach it to the floor of a chicken ark or tractor to keep predators from entering from below while allowing chickens to graze and scratch at the ground more naturally.
When choosing the right wire for your chicken run, it is important to consider the types of predators in your area. If you have issues with rats, for example, hardware cloth is recommended.
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Galvanized hardware cloth for rust protection
Chicken wire, or hex mesh, is a popular choice for chicken runs due to its affordability and ease of use. However, it may not be the best option for excluding larger predators. If you're looking for a more robust solution, hardware cloth is a great alternative.
Galvanized hardware cloth is an excellent choice for chicken runs as it offers superior rust protection. The galvanization process involves welding steel wires together and then hot-dipping them in molten zinc to form a protective coating. This zinc coating reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, forming an oxide layer that safeguards the steel from corrosion. While galvanization does not make the hardware cloth entirely rust-proof, it significantly slows down the rusting process by creating a sacrificial layer that must be depleted before the steel underneath is exposed.
The Everbilt brand offers a range of galvanized hardware cloth products specifically designed for chicken coops and temporary enclosures. Their hardware cloth is constructed from galvanized steel, making it corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free over extended periods. The 1/2-inch mesh size is ideal for deterring rats and snakes, while the 3-foot and 4-foot roll widths are the most commonly used for chicken runs.
To further enhance the rust protection of your galvanized hardware cloth, you can apply a coat of paint. This creates an additional barrier that shields the zinc coating, prolonging its lifespan. However, it is essential to ensure that the paint is free of pinholes, as these can lead to galvanic corrosion.
In summary, galvanized hardware cloth is a durable and rust-resistant option for chicken runs. By understanding the galvanization process and with proper maintenance, you can ensure that your chicken run remains protected from predators and the elements for many years.
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Electric net fencing for free-range chickens
Electric net fencing is an excellent option for those who want to let their chickens free-range. It allows you to create a wide perimeter around your henhouse, providing your chickens with ample space to roam and explore. The setup is simple: you hook up the fencing to a portable power source, and it delivers a mild shock to any creature that touches it, ensuring your chickens stay within the designated area. This type of fencing is economical and highly effective in protecting your flock from ground predators.
While electric net fencing is ideal for deterring ground predators, it's important to remember that predators can also attack from above. To provide comprehensive protection for your free-range chickens, consider installing aviary netting or tarps across the top of the run. This additional layer of protection will prevent birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, from accessing your chickens' enclosure.
When selecting the type of wire mesh for your electric net fencing, there are a few options to consider. Galvanized hardware cloth is a popular choice due to its durability and rust resistance. It is made by weaving or welding steel wires together and then hot-dipping them in zinc. This process results in small openings of about half an inch, making it effective against rats, snakes, and other small predators. However, it is important to strike a balance, as smaller openings can be too brittle, while larger openings may not provide sufficient protection.
Another option is welded wire mesh, which offers good protection against predators. It is more challenging for predators to tear through than chicken wire and is available in various gauges and dimensions. A gauge of at least 1.2mm is recommended for optimal strength to deter predators from pushing through. Additionally, burying the welded wire mesh around the perimeter of the coop and run provides an extra layer of protection against burrowing animals.
While chicken wire, also known as hex mesh or hex netting, is a more affordable option, it may not provide sufficient protection against larger predators. It is made of thin, malleable steel wires woven with hexagonal openings and is susceptible to rust. Chicken wire is more suitable for containing your flock and keeping smaller pests at bay. If you opt for chicken wire, combining it with another type of fencing, such as chain link or rabbit wire fencing, can enhance the overall security of your chicken run.
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Daytime fencing vs predator-proof night coops
Chicken wire, or hex mesh, is a popular choice for chicken fencing due to its affordability and ease of use. It is made of thin, malleable steel wires woven with hexagonal openings and can effectively contain a flock while allowing them access to fresh air and exercise. However, chicken wire may not provide adequate protection against larger predators and pests. For a daytime yard where you can keep an eye on your chickens, chicken wire or rabbit wire fencing can be a suitable option.
If you're looking for a more secure option to protect your flock from predators, consider using hardware cloth. Hardware cloth is made of thick metal wires with small openings, typically no larger than half an inch, designed to resist bending, tearing, and manipulation. It is an excellent choice for excluding larger and more vicious predators such as foxes, coyotes, and skunks. Additionally, the small openings of hardware cloth prevent pests like mice, rats, and snakes from entering the chicken run.
To enhance the security of your chicken run, you can incorporate electric net fencing. This type of fencing is connected to a portable power source and delivers a shock to any creature that touches it, creating an effective barrier against ground predators. Another option is to use welded wire fencing with 3- or 4-inch square or rectangular openings. This fencing is attached to the floor of the chicken run and prevents predators from entering from below while allowing chickens to graze and scratch naturally.
For nighttime protection, it is crucial to have a locked coop to safeguard your chickens when they are most vulnerable. Teaching your chickens to return to the coop at night is essential, and this training should begin as soon as they take up residence. Additionally, ensure that the area around the coop is clear of decorations, plants, and hedges, as predators can use these for cover.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wire for a chicken run depends on the type of predators in your area. If you're looking to keep out larger predators such as foxes, coyotes, dogs, and raccoons, hardware cloth is recommended. Hardware cloth is made of thick metal wires with small openings (no greater than half an inch) to resist bending, tearing, and manipulation.
Chicken wire, also known as hex mesh or hex netting, is made of thin, malleable steel wires woven with hexagonal openings. While chicken wire is ideal for containing your flock and keeping out smaller pests, it is not strong enough to keep out larger predators. Chicken wire is also susceptible to rust and can be easily shredded by strong animals.
Other options for fencing a chicken run include welded wire fencing, chain link fencing, rabbit wire fencing, and electric net fencing. Welded wire fencing provides added security when attached to the floor of a chicken ark or tractor. Chain link and rabbit wire fencing are strong enough to keep chickens in and dogs out, but may not protect against raccoons. Electric net fencing is an economical option for defining a large run and protecting from ground predators.
