Whether you are new to chicken keeping or you’ve had a run-in with a predator, the best way to keep your chickens safe is with the right choice of chicken fencing.
From free range to roosting hens, providing chooks a secure coop, especially at night, can prevent stress, injuries, and losses.
To help you choose the right or proper fencing before your purchase, we compare the top styles of poultry fencing, from galvanized mesh to predator proofing and more.
Our 2023 Recommended Poultry Fencing Products
Here’s a quick look at the best chicken fences from the lineup…
Top Pick
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth 1/4 inch
A fine but durable chicken wire mesh with a galvanized double zinc coating to prevent rust that can help you secure your chicken coop.
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth 1/4 inch
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth Fencing certainly wouldn’t disappoint! It is a ready-made metal fence designed to secure a coop or run.
To create a sturdy coop, this brand of poultry fencing can be attached to a ready-made framework.
The hardware cloth is both flexible enough to be molded around a chicken coop and durable enough to protect chickens from predators during the day and night. This tough style of wire fencing could be great to use for building a chicken run.
Durability
It’s strong, can be cut to measure, and will keep your chickens safeguarded when outdoors.
Hardware cloth is the ideal fencing material because it consists of welded wire.
This prevents the fence from bending and flexing should a predator try to get into the chicken coop.
Weather Proof
Welded wire is also rust resistant and weatherproof!
When you need a reliable material for chicken fencing, hardware cloth and its welded wire manufacture might be the best choice.
It should stop pesky wild birds from reaching the feed while keeping poultry safe.
Best Mesh Fencing
YARDGARD Plastic Poultry Netting Fence
A simple, yet durable PVC netting to keep poultry confined to their run or coop.
YARDGARD Plastic Poultry Netting Fence
You can use the YARDGARD Galvanized Fencing to make a secure chicken coop.
YARDGARD is a product that stands out because it consists of traditional metal chicken wire that is sturdy, flexible, and great for confining chickens.
Efficient
Mesh fencing for the chicken coop remains a popular choice because it is affordable and easy to install.
The wire fencing is great for securing to posts and for making a run.
Chickens can be put in an area where they can freely scratch and roam, and this type of fencing will also keep chickens out of your garden beds.
Durability
The YARDGARD mesh fencing is galvanized so it won’t easily rust when used outdoors. Coops of all sizes and shapes can be made using this material.
Simply place the fencing around the chicken coop, and a staple gun will easily secure the chicken wire to wood posts.
If you know that wildlife is a problem in your area, it is important to use a durable chicken wire to keep chickens protected.
YARDGARD is not only a strong chicken wire, but also simple to use on wood and metal.
Best Portable Chicken Fencing
KEXMY Rural365 Portable Chicken Run
Keep predators from reaching your chickens while they spend time outdoors with this safe and portable chicken run.
KEXMY Rural365 Portable Chicken Run
Chickens need to move freely around the garden to scratch and roam.
To provide time outside of the chicken coop, the KEXMY Chicken Run can provide a spacious, movable, and lightweight fencing solution.
Easy to Set Up
KEXMY makes our list for top movable chicken runs because it is easy to set up, provides enough space for chickens, and comes with necessary attachments to place in the garden.
The run doesn’t consist of wire but a fine polyester net. It should keep chickens protected against predators such as hawks and cats.
I like that one can easily move the KEXMY run anywhere in the garden throughout the day.
Best Electrical Fencing
Zareba KGPACZ AC Garden Protector Electric Fence Kit
An affordable option and simple electric solution to secure poultry against smaller predators.
Zareba KGPACZ AC Garden Protector Electric Fence Kit
Whether you need to secure the henhouse and the fresh eggs or you need an economical repellent for different types of runs, the electric fencing kit by Zareba can be installed without calling on a professional company.
Safety
This DIY kit will not electrocute animals or cause harm to your chooks.
It produces a minor jolt when touched, so pests are immediately scared off.
While Zareba provides a complete kit, the rods may need replacing and it does not include a 6 or 12 volt battery.
The Top Chicken Fencing Products in 2023
Here are the full reviews of all the products from the lineup…
Best Electrical Fencing
Zareba KGPACZ AC Garden Protector Electric Fence Kit
An affordable and simple electric solution to secure poultry against smaller predators
Zareba KGPACZ AC Garden Protector Electric Fence Kit
One of the most effective ways to repel pests from reaching coops or runs is with electric fencing.
You don’t need an elaborate setup to keep raccoons and foxes out either!
The Zareba Electric Fence Kit is a simple deterrent you can secure around your henhouse. Let’s look at how temporary electric fencing works to safeguard chooks.
Voltage
Zareba offers an affordable and simple electric solution to secure poultry against small predators.
The 17 gauge wire delivers a mild electric shock sufficient enough to scare off the fox, raccoon, and weasel that might try their luck with your chickens.
The jolt will not not cause harm or injuries, but rather frighten persistent animals.
Installation
The electric fencing kit comes ready to install.
It can cover 25×25 feet and is a great choice for protecting the perimeter against nuisance animals.
You can also use this type of electric fencing to secure your run area or prevent poultry from having a garden party in your flower beds and vegetable patches!
Specs
- Material: Fencing kit
- Type: Electrical fence
- Predator Proof: Yes
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Delivers minor jolt to keep predators away
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a battery
- Some parts may need replacing
YARDGARD Galvanized Fencing
A sturdy yet lightweight galvanized mesh that is designed to help secure small animals such as your chickens.
YARDGARD Galvanized Fencing
The YARDGARD Fence is a sturdy yet lightweight galvanized mesh that is designed to secure small animals like rabbits and chickens.
The 20 gauge steel fence is available in a length of 150 ft.
If you want to stop smaller predators such as cats, this type of fencing could be a suitable choice.
I like that the YARDGARD fencing is a flexible wire, making it easy to install. If you have a wood frame, just unroll the wire and staple it to the frame.
Be sure to wear thick gloves when handling it or you could end up cutting yourself.
How it protects the chicken coop
Along with its simple design, it consists of 1 inch holes so pesky squirrels and wild birds can’t access the coop.
You can also use this wire to secure fencing with larger holes where smaller critters may be getting inside the run.
You won’t have to worry about too much maintenance when you install YARDGARD’s poultry fencing.
Design
It’s galvanized and comes with a woven design, adding to its strength and weatherproofing. If you’re going to secure it along the ground, look out for rust and weakening on the bottom of the fence over time.
For an affordable, durable, and easy to use chicken wire, YARDGARD certainly delivers. If you need to confine your flock or prevent them from getting into your garden, then the tough galvanized fencing is the way to go.
Specs
- Material: Galvanized Metal
- Type: Chicken wire with 1 inch holes
- Predator proof: Yes (small predators)
Pros
- Durable metal can withstand outdoor weather conditions.
- Keeps chickens confined during the day and night.
- Chicken wire is easy to bend and flex.
- Will keep chicken secure when attached to well built frames.
Cons
- Fencing that touches the ground may rust over time.
- Must wear thick gloves to prevent cutting your hands.
- May not protect against large predators.
Top Pick
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth
A fine but durable chicken wire mesh with a galvanized double zinc coating to prevent rust that can help you secure your chicken coop.
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth
The Amagabeli Hardware Cloth could be a great way to secure your chicken coop! It consists of a fine, yet durable chicken wire mesh with a galvanized double zinc coating to prevent rust.
This contemporary chicken fencing is best at keeping predators away and your chickens safe.
If you have a problem with wild animals, you can use the welded wire to predator proof chicken coops.
Design
This hardware cloth is designed to keep predators such as foxes, possums, porcupines, and other critters from getting to the chickens and their feed.
The smaller holes of ¼ inch squares are also great at keeping raccoons from reaching in and hurting confined birds.
To confine chooks to a specific area, you can easily secure the wire to a wood frame or with posts placed into the ground. The netting can also be used to make a safe run for chickens in the garden.
How to use this chicken fence
The easy to use fencing is 48 inch x 50 feet in size.
Scissors can easily cut the netting to provide the right fit around new coops and runs.
Along with protecting against predators, you can prevent your free range chickens from venturing into your garden!
Chickens simply cannot resist homegrown veggies and once they find your crop, they can vanish within minutes!
Function
The chicken netting creates a strong barrier so your chooks won’t get to your vegetable patch or garden.
Amagabeli’s chicken wire is flexible enough to be folded quickly and easily.
From covering the top of the coop to building an entire chicken run, the versatile welded wire is perfect for keeping chickens safe. It makes for a sturdy and predator proof fence once it is secured.
Specs
- Material: Galvanized wire
- Type: Hardware cloth fencing with ¼ inch holes
- Predator Proof: Yes
Pros
- Tough double zinc coat to prevent rust and extend longevity.
- It is flexible and easy to use.
- Works with posts or can be secured to a wood coop.
- Keeps chickens protected from common night predators.
- Great for use around the top, sides, and bottom of a coop.
Cons
- Takes time to secure.
- Will need posts to make a run or complete a coop.
Best Mesh Fencing
YARDGARD Plastic Fence Black
A simple, yet durable PVC netting to keep poultry confined to their run or coop.
YARDGARD Plastic Fence Black
YARDGARD offers a simple, yet durable PVC netting to keep poultry confined to their run or coop through the day or night.
The chicken netting is an economical choice of fencing and can be used to secure the backyard for free range chickens.
This style of chicken fencing is easily secured around a coop or used with posts to make a simple run.
Function
PVC poultry netting 1 inch or less in size is best at keeping chickens confined, especially where younger chickens are prone to escaping the run.
Although YARDGARD provides a strong PVC fence, it’s not quite suitable for stopping rabbits and groundhogs from reaching crops or making their way into the run. These small animals will simply chew through the plastic.
Design
The fencing is made to keep chickens inside their coops, but is not the toughest material against gnawing and scratching chicken predators.
The PVC poultry netting can be used to line the inside of a fence with wide gaps to stop pests, dogs, or cats from making their way into the yard.
It can also be used with posts to make a chicken run area when birds free range in the garden. Easily confine poultry to a specific area and safeguard your flower beds or crops from being eaten.
Specs
- Material: PVC
- Type: Mesh fencing
- Predator Proof: No
Pros
- Lightweight net to add reinforcement to a coop or existing fence.
- Can be used to make an outdoor run.
- Strong PVC material is long lasting.
Cons
- Cannot secure against predators.
- Animals such as groundhogs and rabbits chew through the plastic.
Best Portable Chicken Fencing
KEXMY Rural365 Portable Chicken Run
Keep predators from reaching your chickens while they spend time outdoors with this safe and portable chicken run.
KEXMY Rural365 Portable Chicken Run
If you’re looking for a safe chicken run that you can easily move around, then KEXMY is the ideal choice.
Keep predators such as hawks and cats from reaching your chickens while they spend time outdoors.
The KEXMY run is made from polyester which prevents ground animals, birds, and small predators from getting inside coops and runs.
While it may not keep a dog or a fox out, it is a spacious and lightweight solution to safely let your chooks free range during the day.
Is it weather-proof?
When the chicken run is set up the right way, it provides a sturdy solution for outdoor use. You can place up to 6 small to medium sized chickens inside the run along with their feed and water.
During the winter months, the small backyard poultry keeper can erect the net-run inside a sheltered area or a garage to protect poultry against extremely low temperatures.
Storage
When not in use and you want to store it, the poultry netting is easily folded and packed away until the next time it’s needed.
Along with protection against small predators, the poultry netting allows chickens to move around the yard without getting into an area that includes your flowers or crops.
The bottom of the run is open, so chickens can scratch and keep the weeds at bay while remaining secure under the poultry netting.
Specs
- Material: Polyester net
- Type: Movable run
- Predator Proof: No
Pros
- Can protect against cats and hawks.
- Spacious and allows chickens to safely free range.
- Controls where chickens roam and scratch in the garden.
- Movable and spacious run.
- Does not require posts to setup.
Cons
- Can only be used during the day.
- Is not made to prevent large predators from reaching chickens.
How to Choose the Best Type of Fencing for Chickens
Fencing is for keeping chickens protected against predators, for them spending time outside, and for managing your garden.
The best types of fencing are made to last.
It works against predators, including pets that try to get to chickens by digging, scratching, or chewing at the fence.
Unfortunately, your chickens are easy prey and when predators prowl at night, your fence is your first and only line of defence.
From securing the garden to keeping poultry safe, let’s take a closer look at the different types of fencing for chickens…
Types of Poultry Fencing
Chicken Wire
Chicken wire consists of a galvanized metal.
If you are concerned about predators and want to keep them out of the coop for good, chicken wire or mesh might not be the best choice. A fox, raccoon, or weasel can make their way through chicken wire if given enough time.
Safety Measure
If you are not home during the day, consider a stronger material to create a barrier between your chickens and the outside world.
Chicken wire is also unsuitable for small or baby chicks that will simply squeeze through the holes.
It is great for covering the top of a run, reinforcing coop fencing, and for keeping chickens out of your garden.
Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth, otherwise known as welded wire, is considered the top choice for securing a chicken coop or run.
The smaller holes along with the durability of the material can keep small predators and pests such as rats and snakes out of the chicken coop.
If you are concerned about larger predators like foxes or coyotes getting to your birds, I’d recommend hardware cloth for your coop.
Function
The welded wire is best at keeping these predators away from chickens.
If you aren’t available to watch your chooks during the day, the stronger style of fencing will keep birds protected.
Although welded wire can be a little bit more expensive than regular wire fencing, it is the one type of fence that is a durable, long-lasting, flexible, and attractive addition to the garden.
PVC Fencing
Poultry netting is a type of PVC fencing that many chicken keepers choose to build runs or coops.
It can be a simple and cost-effective way to protect areas of the garden against curious and hungry chickens!
PVC fencing consists of a plastic net that easily bends around wood or metal posts.
Function
If you want to keep chickens confined, introduce new chickens to the flock, or prevent them from accessing a certain area, then plastic fencing is a quick way to achieve this.
NOTE
Remember, PVC and plastic fencing will not keep predators out. A new coop should be built with a solid metal fence.
You can also consider an electric fence if you are concerned about persistent predators.
Electric Fencing
When larger predators like bears or cougars come onto your property, it poses a major threat to the safety of chickens.
Your flock could make for a quick meal, so installing the best fencing can prevent devastating losses.
Of course, electric fencing is a sure way to send predators well on their way and keep your chooks secure against an attack.
New coops can benefit from a moat and fresh pasture inside the fenced area to prevent chickens from reaching the electric fencing.
Although it’s a costly and time-consuming installation, you can leave chickens to forage inside the coop throughout the day.
FAQs
Building new chicken coops or reinforcing current poultry housing requires the right choice of fencing.
Let’s explore some frequently asked questions to help you get the right fencing for your flock.
Can Chickens Fly?
A chicken can fly over a very short distance.
Medium to heavy breeds, such as Rhode Island Reds and Orpingtons, aren’t likely to leave your yard with food and treats readily available.
While frizzle chickens cannot fly, they can cross fences that are 4 feet high if threatened.
Will Chickens Fly Over a 6 foot Fence?
A fully feathered chicken of a small to medium weight can get over a 6 foot fence with enough motivation!
Chicken Fencing Height
The average flock cannot easily jump or perch on fencing that is unable to accommodate their feet or weight.
5 foot tall fences are sufficient for keeping birds confined provided they cannot access branches or platforms nearby.
What Predator will Pull a Chicken Through Fencing?
Raccoons, fisher cats, foxes, coyotes and even aerial predators like hawks can pull chickens through fencing.
Land predators such as a foxes or coyotes will dig along fences to reach poultry.
Chicken Fencing Ideas
If, like me, you don’t want to spend too much on fencing but you want to keep your chooks well-protected, then creative fencing ideas are the way to go.
By using a few wood posts, a staple gun, and galvanized or welded wire, you can easily make a secure enclosure for your chooks.
Tunnel
Another great idea could be to take wire netting and to create a tunnel-like structure from the entrance of the coop to the outdoors.
Chickens can forage as they please while remaining secure in their tunnels.
One can use fencing options with a secure post and netting across the top and sides.
This will protect from both land and aerial predators.
Temporary Chicken Fencing
Wire fencing, plastic fencing, and nylon netting are common materials in temporary fencing.
What Kind of Fencing is Best to Use for a Chicken Run?
Welded wire fences of ½ to ¼ inch are the best for chicken runs.
It is reliable and will prevent predators from being able to chew the wire or pull birds through the small openings.
A minimum 19 to 20 gauge galvanized fence is necessary for housing poultry.
Types of Chicken Wire Fencing
- Chain link fencing
- Hardware cloth
- Electric net fencing
- PVC netting
- Woven wire
By learning the best chicken wire and fencing options, you can easily compare the features, predator proofing, and proper fencing installation requirements for each product.
How to Put Up Chicken Wire Fencing
How Far Apart are Fencing Posts for Chicken Wire?
How to Secure Metal Chicken Fencing to Wood?
How to Tighten Chicken Wire Fencing?
Conclusion
A few things you should take into consideration is that the fencing you choose to get or purchase will depend on the cost, the purpose, and the quality.
Determine whether it comes ready to set up or requires additional materials for security.
If you want a reliable fence to keep your flock safe, then galvanized metal chicken wire or welded wire are tough fencing options.
Top Pick
New coops should be made with galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire such as the Amagabeli Hardware Cloth Fencing. I like that the Amagabeli’s double dipped zinc offers extra reinforcement to protect your flock at any time of the day.
Best Mesh Fencing
For galvanized poultry netting, YARDGARD fencing is great at keeping birds confined.
Best Portable Chicken Fencing
On the other hand, if you want your chickens to forage and be protected from local cats or aerial predators like hawks, the KEXMY portable chicken run comes ready to install.
Best Electrical Fencing
Should you require a more robust deterrent, Zareba’s Electric Fencing Kit can provide an anti-predator solution.
Give your birds a well-made run or coop that is sure to prevent predators from gaining access by taking the time to compare different types of poultry fencing.
Whether a foraging flock or a quaint henhouse, one should invest in the best fencing that’s designed to last! If you’re in need of extra layer of protection for your coop, try checking out these animal repellents.
