![]() ![]() This type of fencing is sold in rolls at hardware or building stores, and needs to be cut if you need a shorter length for your fence. The smaller gaps and strength of the wire prevent it from being broken or stretched by predators, but that can also work against you when it comes to installation as its rigidity can be difficult to work with. This type of fencing is one of the best types of fencing for poultry. Hardware cloth is strong, welded galvanized steel mesh that is sold in rolls and can be cut to length. This hardware cloth fencing has holes small enough that it’s virtually impenetrable. Pros: Portable, easily set up, flexible, a strong deterrent for predators.Ĭons: Subject to power failures, expensive. Ideal for: Pastured poultry or poultry runs as secondary protection. Be sure the electric wire doesn’t come into contact with your metal permanent fence or you may run into short situations. A second wire run parallel and a few inches above the first will add an extra layer of protection. If you’re willing to take that risk, then it can be a good choice for your run or pasture.Īnother electric fencing option is electric wire you can run a single strand of electric wire near the base of any fence to deter predators looking for easy access. It’s expensive, and dependant on access to electricity and can fail if that access is restricted. There are a couple of downsides to electric netting: First, just as with larger livestock, relying solely on electric fencing has its issues. Its real strength lies in its maneuverability for pastured poultry. If you are free ranging your poultry, it will offer the flexibility to allow you to easily change locations to access fresh grazing ground. Pros: Strong enough to withstand larger predators, virtually maintenance free.Ĭons: Holes are large, installation is challenging.Įlectric netting is not the end-all and be-all for poultry fencing, but it’s pretty close. Ideal for: Perimeter fencing for coop or run. Use chain link along with a secondary layer of less expensive fencing with smaller holes. This fencing’s strength lies in how tough it is, and its ability to withstand even large predators. Ĭhain link may be challenging to install, but it makes for an extremely strong fence, even if the holes are too large to keep out many of the crafty predators that stalk poultry. Ideal for: Temporary fencing or overhead cover.Ĭons: Weak, sharp when broken, tends to sag without a strong framework. Consider using this fencing only as a secondary level of protection. Fold over cut links to prevent them from getting caught on clothing (or birds). If you must use chicken wire, try to source a minimum size of 1/2 to 1-inch, use staples to secure it to your coop or fence posts, and ensure it’s pulled tight enough to keep it from sagging. It also has large enough gaps for predators to stick hands through, and if they’re really determined they can stretch the holes wide enough to grab a chicken or gain entry into your coop. This type of fencing bends easily, and it’s easy for young chicks to get caught in it. In fact, the only thing chicken wire is really good for is keeping poultry contained, and even then it has its issues. No one knows why this type of fencing is called “chicken wire” because in reality it offers very little protection for poultry. When you read the title of this article, it’s likely the first type of fencing you thought of was chicken wire, the thin, flexible hexagonal mesh commonly used to fence in poultry. ![]() You may think your coop or run is as secure as Fort Knox, but just in case, here’s a rundown of your fencing options, and how you can step up your fencing game. And those predators are many skunks, weasels, raccoons, foxes, hawks and even neighbourhood dogs will all love the chance to dive into your coop and feast while you slumber, blissfully unaware. Pastured birds may be considered healthier, but there is increased risk for losses to predators. Good fencing is one of those necessary farm staples that serve a dual purpose they not only keep your livestock in, they also keep predators out, and there are few decisions that can have a bigger impact on your farm’s bottom line.įor farmers who pasture their birds, there is even more riding on their fencing. Poultry cost a lot to raise, and all that hard work can be wiped out in just a few minutes overnight, while you slumber peacefully nearby, oblivious to the danger. ![]() There’s nothing worse than going out to the run or coop only to discover something has gotten past your security, and your farm is now the scene of a feathered mass murder. Birds are highly vulnerable and a prime target for predators of all kinds. Fencing is no laughing matter when raising poultry. ![]()
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