Security is among the most crucial aspects of the chicken coop. A good fence will keep out any predators, and also ensures that your chickens are able to rest, eat and run around at peace. There are a variety of fencing and netting you can choose to secure your coop. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of all the top varieties that chicken fence in this guide.
Chicken Wire
A lot of people choose chicken wire for their coops, as “chicken” is in the title. The thin wire is an inexpensive choice for your chicken coop. It is effective in keeping chickens inside but may not be able to deter raccoon’s rats, or other smaller creatures. Chicken wire is ideal to secure higher-up areas of the coop which predators aren’t able to get. You can also utilize chicken wire in the coop to separate the birds that are aggressive or to keep older chickens out of pullets.
Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth is a durable wire fence can withstand predators that are larger like coyotes and Foxes. Hardware cloth is available in various sizes, which means you’ll need select the size that is able to protect you from rats, snakes as well as other small predators. To protect yourself you could also place the hardware cloth just a few inches below the surface to discourage burrowing animals.
Chain Link
It is simple to locate at your hardware store near you. Chain Link fencing is sturdy enough to keep out the most formidable predators. But the holes that are inside the fences are wide enough to allow smaller predators to easily pass through. Be on the lookout for raccoon hands that reach out too. Chain link fences can be used as an outdoor border so long as the chickens are able to escape to towards the fencing.
Chicken Netting
Chicken Netting, also known as poultry netting, works similar to a plastic version for chicken wire. It’s flexible and is able to keep your chickens inside the coop, but it’s not durable enough to deter predators. But, this light-weight option is great for protection from overhead and will ensure your flock is safe from owls and hawks and other predators.
Electric Fencing
The electric fencing is a fantastic option to safeguard your chickens as they move within the chicken coop. If you face large predators such as bears, wolves or cougars, electric fencing can provide a lot of security. It’s also more convenient to move electric fencing meaning that your chickens can wander around wherever you’d like. Electric fencing has higher initial cost however once you’ve got it running only need some minor maintenance to ensure that your chickens are protected.
Which of these kinds of chicken fences for coops would you employ to keep your flock safe? We’d be interested in hearing your thoughts in our comments!
