I have spent my entire life working outdoors in the garden or helping my father look after the poultry.
When I was growing up, my parents had a small poultry farm, but I favored gardening more and continued it as a passion even after marriage. But when the doctor told my husband that he needed to consume more chicken eggs to improve his health, I thought of getting a chicken enclosure of my own.
Although it was a useful thought, I remembered that taking care of chickens is a lot of work. Especially with some of them jumping out of the enclosure, followed by me chasing after them for several minutes.
Having aged a bit since then, it was imperative to think of a more full-proof solution for housing chickens. That's when I started searching for the best chicken fencing on the market.
Hi! It's Stacy, and today I'll discuss the best options when it comes to chicken fencing.
Top 5 Best Chicken Fencing
1. Yardgard Mesh Poultry Netting
Residential property owners and agricultural experts swear by Yardgard because it produces durable, premium-quality fencing. And this model features a galvanized hexagonal design for rust protection while making the structure lightweight.
Product Highlights
When looking for a suitable chicken fence, the priority is to find a lightweight product that's easy to maneuver while having the necessary durability to withstand external conditions. Thanks to its flexible and 20-gauge hexagonal weaved pattern, this product satisfies both criteria.
The fence comprises silver-finished zinc-coated steel, ensuring that it doesn't deteriorate after several months of heavy use. Moreover, the galvanized construction prevents rusting and reduces the need for maintenance while keeping the chickens inside their enclosure.
You can also use it for other commercial and residential applications, and I remember creating a little play area for poultry and creatures like rabbits. What's more impressive is that the material isn't harmful to the environment, helping protect and support plants.
It's perfect for gardeners like me who need to pile compost in a demarcated area to prevent soil erosion.
What's There To Like About It?
I found that the manufacturers had shrink-wrapped each roll of wire to deliver added protection. Apart from the zinc and steel combination, you can opt for a PVC construction, further improving the longevity and appearance of the chicken enclosure.
And given its lightweight and delicate nature, I can efficiently house rabbits, poultry, and other small animals. The durable construction further prevents soil erosion, helps in composting, and ensures that pests can't chew through the netting.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only problem with the fencing is the size of the holes, which are much too large for small animals. Although it can keep out adult rabbits and chickens, the little ones find a way to squeeze through. I remember this one time when I found several baby rabbits foraging through the garden and happily munching on my veggies, having escaped from their enclosure.
Pros and Cons of Yardgard Mesh Poultry Netting
Pros
Cons
- HEAVY‑DUTY MATERIAL – Made from strong 20‑gauge steel wire that stays straight and flat for long‑lasting outdoor performance
- RUST‑RESISTANT GALVANIZATION – Galvanized before weaving to provide superior corrosion resistance and withstand harsh weather conditions
- REINFORCED HEXAGONAL MESH – Features durable hexagonal poultry netting with reinforced lines for improved stability and dependable containment
2. Tenax Hex Poultry Fence
As a DIYer, I look for products that I can use daily with consistent results, but it's challenging to find one that's also suitable for professional applications. But this poultry fence from Tenax ticks all the right boxes, featuring smooth and non-cutting edges.
Product Highlights
The standout feature of this poultry fence is its versatility, and you can use it for creating a safe enclosure for both plants and chickens. I have even used it as a pest deterrent due to its fine and durable netting.
You'll see that the manufacturers have used UV treatment to lend ruggedness and an extra layer of protection to the fence. This increases its life expectancy by five years, guaranteeing good value for money.
But that's not all, as it comes in two UV-resistant colors - black and green. While the performance remains the same, you can choose a specific shade if appearance is a concern. More importantly, the mono-oriented HDPE layer prevents animals or pets from chewing through the mesh lining and getting into or out of the enclosure.
What's There To Like About It?
Gardeners like me will enjoy the easy installation, as you can cut the fence with a utility knife without leaving rough edges. But it’s still durable and won't deform or stretch even under external pressure, protecting the animals inside the enclosure. The bright colors even act as a deterrent to keep pests away.
You can also use it in workshops as a shelf liner, for crafts, and for potting sheds instead of traditional chicken wires.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Flexibility is the only aspect where it misses out compared to the Yardgard Mesh Poultry Netting. Don't get me wrong; it is substantially maneuverable but, perhaps, a bit too much. Some gardeners will have to use permanent stakes at regular intervals because the fence sags in between, and it's difficult to keep it straight.
Pros and Cons of Tenax Hex Poultry Fence
Pros
Cons
- Safe and humane: The plastic mesh is non-toxic and has smooth, reinforced edges, making it safe for both animals and handlers. It is less likely to cause injury than sharp metal wire fencing.
- Durable and long-lasting: The HDPE material is UV-stabilized to prevent sun damage, and it will not rust, rot, or corrode over time, unlike metal alternatives. It can be reused and adapted for changing needs around a yard or farm.
- Easy installation: The lightweight and flexible mesh is simple to cut to the desired size using a utility knife or scissors. It can be attached to posts or frames with staples, screws, or self-locking zip ties.
3. Houseables Plastic Mesh Fence
I'm an avid gardener, so my priority before constructing anything is to check whether it's eco-friendly. The last thing I want is to harm the plants; thankfully, this UV-protected fence is ideal for keeping my chickens and garden safe.
Product Highlights
It's a lightweight option and proves convenient as an emergency fencing for protecting the garden, new flower beds, poultry, freshly painted surfaces, and newly laid sidewalks. Moreover, the green color will permit you to use it as a secondary fence perfect for landscaping.
The vibrant color creates a clear demarcation so guests don't unknowingly step on the flower beds or break the chicken enclosure. It's also over 100 feet long, making it an economical option for most people.
You won't need to purchase additional fencing, while its multipurpose nature is perfect for designing a sturdy perimeter. Speaking of sturdy, the UV-resistant coating and the mesh design prevents deterioration or tiny chicks from squeezing through the opening.
What's more impressive is the easy installation, for which you'll need wooden stakes or T-poles. Place them 4-feet apart to tighten the netting, reducing the chances of the fence collapsing or sagging under a strong wind.
What's There To Like About It?
Several eye-catching attributes of this fence make it worth the money but none more so than its versatile design. It reduces degradation under harsh outdoor conditions, while the flexible nature permits you to create a suitable perimeter for keeping animals and birds confined.
Also, the vibrant color makes it visible from far, preventing accidents and keeping the chicken enclosure or vegetable patch safe. It even has the required sturdiness, thanks to its plastic and metal construction to keep pests out.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only downside is the thin plastic as it doesn't have mono-oriented HDPE protection like the Tenax Hex Poultry Fence. It’s still durable, but I prefer to use several layers of fencing to attain the desired rigidity. And since you get 100-feet of this product, using a little extra fencing won't hurt you financially.
Pros and Cons of Houseables Plastic Mesh Fence
Pros
Cons
- LIGHTWEIGHT SAFETY FENCING: Comes to your rescue when you’re in need of plastic deer fencing, temporary fencing, fencing for dogs, instant skirting around gardens, seeded lawns, newly laid concrete sidewalks, or freshly painted surfaces that are easily reachable.
- VIBRANT VISUAL BARRIER: Green mesh fencing that’s great for a variety of uses like snow fencing, plastic garden fencing 48 inch high, plastic chicken fencing, and so much more. Or, put the fence netting up to keep toddlers away from your pool and other unsavory areas of your yard.
- EASY TO INSTALL/REMOVE: Best used with metal T-Posts or wooden stakes (not included) positioned four-feet apart to prevent sagging and collapsing caused from wind stress, animal gnawing, and pressure from snow build up. Just as simple to remove, roll up, and stow away the plastic barrier fence for future use.
4. MTB Galvanized Poultry Netting Chicken Wire
If your primary requirement is durability, depending upon the weather conditions, prevalent pests in the area, and type of poultry - try out this fencing. It features double hexagonal twists, making it suitable for building a suitable livestock enclosure and cages for pets.
Product Highlights
It only seems fair to place the spotlight on the longevity of this chicken netting, given its galvanized steel design complete with a hexagonal mesh pattern. The durable netting is suitable for constructing garden fences, lawn netting, and chicken enclosures with ease to repel pest attacks.
But despite the sturdy construction, it's equally lightweight compared to regular chicken wires available on the market. Having used both types, I can tell you that the 2 x 2 inches opening allows you to trim it to the required size to keep the fence straight and flat.
Also, it doesn't rust, and you can use it around flower beds or even as a protective netting for tiny animals without harming them. The best part is that its eco-friendly properties prevent soil erosion by helping in compost piling for the health of the garden.
I found that a single order consists of 25-feet long wires, having a width of 12 inches to secure the garden effectively.
What's There To Like About It?
The mesh opening is not very large, and combined with the double directional twists keeps out even large animals like dogs. What’s more, with this pocket-friendly and sturdy steel wire, you won't have to worry about rusting anytime soon.
It’s sufficiently long and suitable for forming a perimeter around flower beds and other vulnerable spots. And, thanks to the lightweight design, I hardly had any problems trimming it to secure the netting around my chicken enclosure.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Compared to the Houseables Plastic Mesh Fence, installation is slightly tricky with this unit. While the mesh design of the former keeps the fence from sagging, the MTB fence is a tad difficult to untangle. This is because a wire runs around the fence roll, which consumers have to cut, but it's easier said than done and might lead to inadvertent damages to the product.
Pros and Cons of MTB Galvanized Poultry Netting Chicken Wire
Pros
Cons
- PREMIUM LONG LASTING QUALITY Our poultry netting chicken wire is made using high quality marital and galvanized before packing to ensure long-term use. Ideal for making garden fences, chicken enclosure, livestock confinement, runs and cages for pets, lawn netting and more!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STURDY: Compared to a plastic chicken wire, our reinforced hexagonal aviary netting are lightweight, sturdy and equally spaced to provide long-term use making them more cost-effective than any other galvanized fencing.
- SIMPLE & CONVENIENT: Our poultry netting is designed with double direction hexagonal twist while staying flat and straight making it easy to install and trim to your desired size for various applications.
5. Amagabeli Poultry Netting
Choosing poultry netting is more complex than simply picking a sturdy unit that can cover a substantial portion of the garden. Luckily, this hexagonal wire ensures that the chicken enclosure doesn't hamper irrigation or block sunlight, making it ideal for most purposes.
Product Highlights
This chicken wire features galvanized netting, 2-inch hexagonal holes, and a 50 feet long wire to keep your poultry safe. You can prevent big animals from breaking into enclosures or people from stepping onto flower beds with this product.
What's more, even little chicks or baby rabbits can't squeeze through the holes because of the compact and sturdy mesh lining. The best part is that it doesn’t carry the extra weight of traditional nettings despite the smaller holes.
You won't have to spend money on reinforcements either, as the double layering acts as fantastic house protection, keeping away pests like raccoons or foxes.
I recommend demarcating areas of the garden for specific purposes before choosing the size of the wiring. As a result, you won't face issues with irrigation or plant diversity, while the unique design allows sunlight to filter through unhindered.
What's There To Like About It?
The 20-gauge construction is most noteworthy, comprising 2-inch holes reinforced with steel. Its hexagonal shape and double layering also block the entry of large animals like foxes, dogs, and raccoons while preventing chickens from escaping.
You can choose from many sizes, allowing you to use the fence for multiple purposes like irrigation or house protection. And you can trim the wires as per your convenience, reducing the mesh opening to just one inch.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The Yardgard Mesh Poultry Netting also uses 20-gauge wires and has large cells, but I have ranked it higher because it's easier to install compared to this chicken netting. This unit gets tangled easily, requiring considerable effort to unroll and snip the wires in the right places to free the mesh. It's more than a one-person job, so you should get someone to help you.
Pros and Cons of Amagabeli Poultry Netting
Pros
Cons
- MATERIAL & SIZE: Galvanized chicken wire fencing 36inches x 50foot, 20 gauge netting, 2 inch large hexagonal holes mesh roll. Poultry fence used for big animal control in a home backyard, around the house back yard balcony, at a garden, or on a farm property; fencing material to enclose a chicken run coop, rabbit fence pen, cat screen to keep out rodent country predators pests out and keep pets out of apple orchard, vegetable garden, flower raised beds.
- STURDY MESH: 2 inch big holes chicken wire mesh, without the weight of 1" openings raccoon proof, rabbit control, sturdy wire to fence out dogs, cats, doves, fancy pigeons or larger animals like grown rabbits, mammals goats, full grown chickens, older birds or ducks, cantankerous geese off garden raised beds and keep larger critters like groundhog, mink, possum, raccoon, gophers, moles, porcupine, fisher, foxes out of existing wood board fence in chicken area or raised garden beds.
- HOUSE PROTECTION: Hexagonal poultry netting used to circle a 36in high property fence as a barrier to keep dog from digging out around the house, to line the bottom of the fence around the back yard to keep beagle puppy, neighbor dogs or cats out in a friendly way. Fence material used to create a guard together with railing on your balcony.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have gone through the top five options for the best chicken fencing, let me tell you how I shortlisted these products. Knowing these points will help you explore nettings beyond this guide and choose suitable fencing for your garden.
1. Construction
One of the most important things to check is whether the fence can withstand external conditions and attacks from pests. If a hungry fox or a sneaky raccoon makes its way into the enclosure, your chickens won't be able to defend themselves.
The best hope you have is to keep predators outside the enclosure while preventing the chickens from escaping. That's why picking a wire mesh made from galvanized steel, and having the necessary UV and water resistance, is essential to ensuring safety.
It won't deteriorate under harsh conditions, nor can predators chew through the netting to attack the chickens.
2. Weight
After finding a sturdy unit, make sure that it's the right weight. There's no fixed standard, so you should choose a netting based on the prevalent weather conditions, pests in the neighborhood, and poultry you have.
Some people prefer to use lightweight products since they are flexible, allowing gardeners to create a boundary around flower beds or chicken enclosures in tight spaces. But you'll have to use posts and stakes to tighten the fencing, preventing it from sagging.
With heavier netting, you won't need to worry about the wind blowing it away; the sturdy structure remains firmly rooted to the ground with no signs of sagging. However, it might be challenging to maneuver.
3. Mesh Holes
Certain units have big cells for soil irrigation, adequate sunlight, and compost piling to prevent erosion, but they risk little chicks squeezing through the holes. Even more ominous is that if the chickens can get out, then predators can get in. Hence, gardeners either opt for small holes or choose nettings having double layering for added protection.
4. Installation
Installing chicken fences isn't rocket science, but it's not easy either. A common problem most farmers or gardeners face is that the netting gets entangled; this makes it challenging to free the fence.
Usually, chicken fences are available as rolls of nets bound together by a wire from top to bottom. You may find it difficult to cut the wire and free the fence without damaging the structure.
Moreover, certain lightweight units sag, requiring you to plant multiple stakes at regular intervals to tighten the fence adequately. Usually, it takes time, patience, and help from multiple people to get the job done.
5. Price
Although chicken fencing isn't costly, the price can vary based on the quality of the material and your requirements. A 20-gauge galvanized steel fence might cost more than traditional steel fencing, but a chunk of the cost depends on the area you want to cover.
Also, if the fencing deteriorates after a few years, it further adds to the cost of renovating the chicken enclosure. You may even have to use multiple fences for reinforcements when the holes are large, or the structure bends under wind pressure.
6. Height
Apart from the size of the cells, make sure that the fence is of the correct height, preventing the poultry from jumping out or predators from jumping into the enclosure. It's crucial to check the netting measurements online before placing the order to determine if the fence can keep the poultry safe.
And it's not just the adults you need to worry about. I especially found it challenging to hold the little chicks inside because trimming the fence to the correct height requires precision. Once a couple of them manage to escape, you'll better understand how high the fence needs to be.
7. Visibility
Although installing a fence with visible colors isn't necessary, it's a nice addition as vibrant colors make it visible from far. This will make it easy for guests to avoid bumping into the enclosure or flower bed when they are visiting. Also, having a bright fence adds a bit of color to the garden, making it part of the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Having spoken to expert chicken breeders and my dad, I found that the average height of a chicken fence should be around 6-feet. This should be secure enough for all breeds, but sometimes you may have to raise the fence higher and cover the top.
Yes, foxes and other predators can chew through lightweight chicken wires, so the fencing wires should be at least 0.9 mm in diameter. Moreover, make sure that the cells aren't larger than 80 mm, as foxes can use large holes to climb over the fence.
The longevity of a chicken wire fence depends on several factors, including weather conditions, maintenance, and construction. While regular fencing can last for five years, you should opt for galvanized wires if the moisture content in the soil is high. The latter can last for close to 20 years due to its rust-resistant properties.
My Final Recommendation
With that, it’s a wrap! Hopefully, my guide will help you choose the best chicken fencing for your needs.Â
Before signing off, I want to highlight my favorite products from the list to make your job easier. The Yardgard Mesh Poultry Netting is a highly versatile option due to its zinc and steel construction. At the same time, the Tenax Hex Poultry Fence is another sturdy unit with its UV-resistant finish guaranteeing five years of longevity.Â
But if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight product that can easily cover most gardens, go with the Houseables Plastic Mesh Fence. And now it’s time for me to reinforce the fencing around my chicken enclosure before turning in for the night.Â
See you next time!Â