How To Install Chicken Wire Fencing

Most farmers know how to install chicken wire fencing. Chicken wire was designed to help contain chickens. This flexible wire fence features hexagonal openings and is available in various gauges of wire thickness and size of opening. Chicken wire is used to contain animals, keep them out and in various forms of construction.

Containing Your Chickens With Chicken Wire
Although chicken wire (also known as poultry fence) is used for a variety of jobs, by far the most common task for this material is to protect chickens. Chicken wire serves two purposes in this regard: it keeps chickens contained and it keeps predators at bay. Here's how to use chicken wire with your chickens:

• Chicken wire considerations. Chicken wire made from galvanized wire will last longer than other types of wire. Mesh with a 1 inch hole will be enough to keep chickens in and most predators out. Plastic mesh will not be strong enough to deter a determined predator.
• Fastening chicken wire. 1 inch galvanized metal staples will provide a strong hold for chicken wire fencing when the fence is installed against a wooden surface. 20-gauge galvanized wire can be used to weave two sections of chicken wire together. Chicken wire fence posts have special tabs that are used to hang the chicken wire on when installing a fence. These tabs can be closed over the fencing after installation with a pair of pliers or a hammer.
• Building a secure fence. After determining a suitable height for your chicken wire fence, add another 12 inches. Before installing the fence, dig a trench around the base of the fence. As you install the chicken wire, place a 12 inch apron of fencing below ground level. After the fence is installed, bury the apron and tamp the earth down solidly. The chicken wire apron will stop predators that try to dig under the fence.
• Heads up! For extra security, consider adding a layer of chicken wire over the top of your enclosure. The roof layer can be fixed to the rest of the fencing using 20-gauge galvanized wire.