Building a chicken coop or run can be a challenging project. Doubly so if you don’t know where to start.
To give chickens a safe home, chicken wire is your first line of defense. It will ensure protection against digging attackers like foxes and keep your poultry confined at all times, day or night.
I remember when I first had a run-in with would-be predators for my flock of Leghorn chickens. A length of chicken wire saved my babies from being fox dinner.
To help you build a strong structure to house your flock, we look at the best chicken wire products of 2023.
Best Galvanized Chicken Wire
Best Plastic Chicken Wire
The Best 4 Wire Products in Our Lineup
Before we head to the full review and lineup, here’s a quick summary of the best overall…
Top Pick
Amagabeli 36inx50ft Mesh Roll
A durable and flexible mesh fencing that’s strong enough to guard against small digging pests and larger attackers.
Amagabeli 36inx50ft Mesh Roll
My top pick has to be the Amagabeli chicken wire.
While related items based on style and type offer cost-effectiveness, they cannot compare to the durability and finish of Amagabeli.
To secure the garden space or build a chicken coop, Amagabeli welded wire is a valuable choice. Predators are no match for the tough hardware cloth!
Best Plastic Chicken Wire
YARDGARD 889240A PVC Fencing Black
An affordable chicken wire that can be used to close the gaps between wood or metal fences in your garden.
YARDGARD 889240A PVC Fencing Black
For an affordable and simple-to-use chicken wire, YARDGARD makes our list.
You can keep small pets in an enclosed yard by covering the bottoms of fences with hex chicken wire.
You can use the PVC chicken wire to reinforce chicken coops and runs. Get creative and erect it as an affordable screen in the garden if you like!
Best Chicken Wire Mesh
Fencer Wire Black Vinyl Netting
Features a sleek and flexible design that makes it easy to wrap around posts or install around a coop or garden.
Fencer Wire Black Vinyl Netting
Fencer has a black vinyl coating that is naturally weatherproof.
It’s a versatile chicken wire you can use to address problems such as digging animals in the garden.
The Fencer chicken wire is also used to secure coops and runs.
It has a tough exterior and is rust-resistant.
Keep chickens protected affordably when you install Fencer wire.
Galvanized Chicken Wire
MTB Galvanized Hardware Cloth
A tough mesh that you can use to secure all types of boundaries on your property.
MTB Galvanized Hardware Cloth
When you buy MTB netting, it provides the ultimate protection to keep predators from reaching chickens.
I like the MTB selection because it is so strong and simple to use.
The chicken wire is rust-resistant, which means you can cut down on maintenance time.
Use MTB to stop digging rabbits and raccoons without extra reinforcement.
The Top Fencing for Chickens in 2023
Best Galvanized Chicken Wire
MTB Galvanized Hardware Cloth
A tough mesh that you can use to secure all types of boundaries on your property.
MTB Galvanized Hardware Cloth
Did you know hardware cloth (also known as welded wire) is the best to use for constructing a coop or barn?
Hardware cloth by MTB is a tough mesh that you can use to secure all types of boundaries. It has tiny square openings making it a great choice to keep critters out and chickens in.
Quality
MTB Hardware Cloth focuses on durability to prevent rattlesnakes and burrowing or digging pests from getting into a walk-in coop or your yard.
They’ve used iron with galvanizing to resist corrosion when used outdoors.
Durability
If you’re looking for durability, the MTB range certainly delivers.
The heavy 23 gauge wire is secure against the teeth and claws of raccoons and coyotes.
It can be cut with a wire cutter for installation, making it simple to use.
Specs
- Type: Hardware cloth
- Material: Iron
- Openings: ¼ inch
Pros
- Heavy-duty with galvanizing
- Can be buried without rusting
- Small holes prevent rattlesnakes from reaching eggs and birds
- Multi-purpose mesh
Cons
- Must use stakes for installation
Best Chicken Wire Mesh
Fencer Wire Black Vinyl Coated Poultry Netting
Features a sleek and flexible design that makes it easy to wrap around posts or install around gardens or roosts.
Fencer Wire Black Vinyl Coated Poultry Netting
The Fencer Wire Black Vinyl Coated Poultry Net has a sleek and flexible design.
Its versatility makes it easy to wrap around posts or install around a garden or coop. The double-coated hex netting is a good choice for enclosing gardens or even your yard.
Quality
You can apply Fencer to outdoor projects without the concern of rust.
The vinyl coating combined with the 20 gauge galvanized wire is rust-resistant and incredibly strong.
It can also be dug into the ground to prevent burrowing animals from reaching your vegetable garden or the chicken coop.
Design
Fencer Wire consists of hexagonal holes.
If you have a problem with large arachnids, the sturdy design prevents those creepy crawlies from moving in.
Installation
Fencer wire makes installation easy.
The welded finish will keep a taut appearance when secured to posts. Pull the wire tightly to create a sturdy enclosure and prevent vulnerable points.
The wire comes in a 150 feet length for some great versatility.
Specs
- Type: Hex weave netting
- Material: Vinyl coated wire
- Openings: 1 inch
Pros
- Durable heavy-duty coating
- Flexible chicken wire is easy to roll
- Used to secure outdoor areas
- Hexagonal link and weave design
Cons
- Requires stakes or posts to secure
Top Pick
Amagabeli 36inx50ft Mesh Roll
A durable and flexible mesh that’s strong enough to protect against small burrowing creatures and larger predators.
Amagabeli 36inx50ft Mesh Roll
Based on the toughness of hardware cloth, the Amagabeli wire provides durability but also flexibility.
It’s strong enough to protect against small burrowing creatures and larger predators.
For a sturdy coop, run, or garden boundary, the 36 x 50 ft mesh will keep areas safe.
Quaility
When you need to protect chickens against daytime and nighttime intruders, you need a tough enclosure!
Amagabeli is a double zinc-coated hardware cloth you can use to protect chickens. It is also rust-resistant, so you shouldn’t have to worry about maintenance.
Design
Amagebeli offers a 19 gauge wire with small holes.
It will keep rattlesnakes, gophers, voles, and raccoons out.
While it is incredibly tough, it is also flexible because of its wide weave.
This makes it simple to work with.
Installation
You can use a wire cutter to cut through the material and wrap around your chicken run or coop with very little hassle.
You can bury the Amagabeli wire underground or secure it around a chain-link fence for reinforcement.
Apply it to close points of entry of an outdoor chicken coop.
It will keep unwanted creatures out and chickens in.
Specs
- Type: Hardware cloth
- Material: Steel
- Openings: ½ inch
Pros
- Durable chicken wire
- The small weave prevents burrowing
- Rust resistant
- Strong enough to keep raccoons out
- Easy to install
Cons
- Difficult to unroll
Best Plastic Chicken Wire
YARDGARD 889240A PVC Fencing Black
An affordable chicken wire that can be used to close the gaps between wood or metal fences.
YARDGARD 889240A PVC Fencing Black
If you are looking for a simple wire to use to reinforce the coop, then YARDGARD can help you save time and money!
Use the YARDGARD black chicken wire to close the gaps between wood or metal fences.
The unique style of poultry netting can also strengthen metal chicken wire.
Design
YARDGARD is a plastic hexagonal mesh.
While it is simple to use, it cannot be installed as a standalone chicken wire to build or secure a coop.
This is because it is plastic and is easily damaged by a predator. It is also no match for burrowing creatures that can chew through the plastic.
The PVC fencing is great for a poultry run.
It can also serve as a screen around a flower or vegetable garden.
Installation
You will need to tightly wrap the chicken wire around secure posts that are buried in the ground.
This will prevent sagging and vulnerable points.
YARDGARD plastic chicken wire can be used outdoors.
It consists of enclosed tips on the top and bottom, providing a smooth finish.
Specs
- Type: Chicken Wire
- Material: PVC
- Openings: ¾ inch
Pros
- Used for craft, screening, and security purposes
- Will keep chickens enclosed
- Standard chicken wire to apply to backyard projects
Cons
- Cannot be used independently to build a coop
- Stronger metal required to strengthen it
MTB Stainless Steel Chicken Wire
A corrosion resistant wire used in both industrial and chemical applications. Ideal for building chicken coops and runs
MTB Stainless Steel Chicken Wire
MTB Chicken Wire is a mesh design available in a 46ft x 50ft length. The strong chicken wire is ideal for building chicken coops and runs.
It is corrosion resistant and used in both industrial and chemical applications. While on the pricier end, it will keep chickens safe from wildlife including large predators.
The MTB chicken wire will help you save time on securing the coop because it does not require additional products for reinforcement.
When you select the MTB range, you know you are buying a product that will last a lifetime. It comes with a high-grade rating.
While it is not galvanized, it has a unique construction you can use for outdoor purposes.
The small holes keep poultry secure against snakes, crawling, and burrowing pests.
If you have experienced problems with wildlife and chicken coop security, this resistant chicken wire can address vulnerabilities.
Specs
- Type: Corrosion-resistant net
- Material: Steel
- Openings: 1 inch Full Specs
Pros
- Small size holes
- Corrosion-resistant chicken wire
- Durable
- Maintenance-free
Cons
- Costly
- Difficult to work with
- Hard to roll and store
How to Choose the Best Chicken Wire
To build a chicken coop, a chicken tractor, or a spacious run, you need the right type of chicken wire.
Backyard chickens love to free-range, but exposing them to the elements means exposure to predators.
Predators
Hawks, raccoons, foxes and even snakes are commonly among the opportunists waiting to eat your chooks!
Fortunately, our tips can help you select the right chicken wire for your needs.
What is Chicken Wire Used for?
Chicken wire fences are used to house chickens, livestock, and even plants or vegetable patches.
Many videos will show you creative ways of using plastic, concrete, or metal to construct chicken runs and attach to enclosures.
You can also use simple wiring to change the design of your current coop or run and without much extra cost or items.
Chicken wire is also great for DIY projects, reinforcing existing fences, or creating a sign to attach onto a door or gate. Speaking of doors or gates, if you want to make your life easier, you can check out my review of the best automatic chicken doors.
TIP
If you have any wiring left over from a project, simply roll it and store it for future applications.
Types of Chicken Fences
Before you get chicken wire from the local store, consider the type of chicken fencing you need.
Let’s take a look at the different chicken wire fences commonly used for a coop.
Welded Wire
Welded wire is also known as hardware cloth.
It is one of the strongest materials used to secure chicken coops and runs.
The rust-resistant chicken wire is impervious to raccoons, hawks, and large predators. You can bury it in the ground for extra protection against digging pests.
Mesh
Mesh fences are available in either metal and plastic.
It typically has a honeycomb design and is used to secure the garden or cover the top, back, and sides of chicken coops.
It is generally thinner and less durable than welded wire.
Net
Net wiring is a lightweight resource that is added to the back or top of coops for reinforcement.
What to Look for in Chicken Wire
Choosing a chicken enclosure can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
The purpose of chicken wire is to create an enclosure, add security, or reinforce a structure.
It is also used to build or enclose chicken coops and runs.
Durability
For a chicken coop, select a product that provides protection against predators.
For raccoons and coyotes, a durable chicken wire such as the MTB hardware cloth is a fair option.
It can effectively prevent predators from digging or chewing their way into the coop.
Affordability
You can keep dogs and cats out of the vegetable garden too, with affordable plastic fencing. The YARDGARD PVC is an example of a simple and economical chicken wire to use as boundary fencing.
Style
The size of the weave in the chicken wire is an important consideration.
A hole of more than 2 inches will allow snakes, raccoons, rodents, or other pests to get to your chickens and their eggs!
Openings of less than 1 inch are ideal for coops and runs. Any more inches and you might find raccoons getting to eat your precious chickens.
Opening
It prevents all types of wildlife from getting their fill on eggs and backyard birds!
Large weaves will allow small chicks to escape the pen.
Bantam chickens can get trapped in wider openings too, so definitely be careful with this.
NOTE
Use a style of chicken wire to reliably secure your chooks at any time of day and remove any risk.
Tips to Install Chicken Wire
Here’s a short video to give you an idea…
Chicken wire is quick and simple to install.
You will need tools such as a cutter, staple gun, or some cable ties.
The next step is to select sturdy posts to bury into the ground.
Posts
Following when you bury the posts, wrap the wiring around the posts until you see the wiring become tight.
A taut finish means it’s installed correctly.
Most types of wires come in rolls, so use something heavy on the end when you unravel it. This will avoid it bouncing back as you cut and measure it.
TIP
You should also purchase some extra length just in case you need to change a section of the fencing at a later stage.
Online Resource
Videos and online tutorials will show you how to cut and position the chicken wire so that it doesn’t slack.
It is easiest, at least in my opinion, to have a second person hold the product on one side while you attach the other end to a post or foundation.
NOTE
Remember to cut or remove the sharp ends of the wire prior to securing it.
It makes the wiring safer to work with, especially if you aren’t wearing gloves.
FAQs
What is a Chicken Wire Frame?
A chicken wire frame is shaped and placed into a wood frame to create a standalone shape.
You can use the frame to build a cheap run or to house poultry.
The chicken wire frame is a popular DIY project you can do with family and friends!
DIY
You can easily make your own frame with a few pieces of wood.
The purpose of the frame is to enclose the hard ends of thin wiring.
Apart from making runs, get creative and design a frame joined by wiring to house photographs or hang jewelry.
How to Build a Garden Fence with Chicken Wire
You’ll need posts or stakes buried into the ground before you can start.
Each post should be properly secured to withstand the pressure of the wire wrapped around it.
Once your stakes are in place, unroll the wire and pull it tight between each post.
This creates a taut appearance secured by staples or cable ties.
How to Cut Chicken Wire
It is a good idea to wear gloves when you are working with chicken wire. A cutter is a tool that should absolutely be used.
The next step is to measure how much wiring you need, be it feet or inches.
Unroll the fencing and place a heavy object on the end you won’t be cutting.
Measure the length and slowly snip the opposite side.
Will Wiring Rust?
Chicken wire will not rust if it is galvanized.
Galvanizing is the process of adding a protective zinc coating onto the metal to extend its life span and prevent it from corroding over time.
Conclusion
Creating a coop or barn yourself is a fun DIY project!
Provided you attach the right type of chicken wire, your chooks will be extra safe from predators.
Worst case scenario, you’ll have them in your home in tighty-whities while you drive the wildlife away. If you’re still worried, you might want to consider using animal repellers to ward off potential predators.
Installation
If you are unsure of how to use materials to make an enclosure, a few videos online can show you how to make the perfect one with step-by-step instructions.
Posts are a must to tighten fences surrounding an enclosure.
Also, bonus tip: when there is no slack, it is a sign that the materials are correctly installed.
Best Galvanized Chicken Wire
Best Plastic Chicken Wire
Best Galvanized Chicken Wire
Fences that are secure and neatly constructed can be achieved with our top picks! MTB hardware cloth is best for protecting your poultry because it is incredibly durable.
Best Plastic Chicken Wire and Best Chicken Wire Mesh
YARDGARD PVC and Fencer wire are cost-effective alternatives for enclosing plants or a vegetable patch.
Keep Secure!
Things to look for in chicken wire include durability, flexibility, and general maintenance.
You want to know that the product will serve its purpose and prove quick to work with.
It shouldn’t need constant replacing because of pests or damage.
With so many fences to choose from, you are sure to find the ideal fencing for your next home improvement task!
