What wire to use for a chicken coop

 

What wire to use for a chicken coop is important.  It needs be able to keep your chickens in and predators out.    It is simply a thin-gauged, galvanized, flexible wire woven into a hexagonal pattern.  The term chicken wire is now generally used to describe any material that can be utilized for fencing your chicken coop, chicken run or even your garden.

 

I recommend you use a couple in of different wires together to best protect your chickens.

 

Chicken Wire

Chicken wire – with the hexagonal pattern – comes in different sizes but the best size for chickens is the ½ inch and 1-inch chicken wire.  You only need the 1/2 inch if you have chicks.  This wire is easy to cut and wrap around your fence posts.  You can use wire to tie or screw it to a post with washers.

The disadvantage with chicken wire is predators can usually get through.  Chicks can also get their wings tangled in the holes.   It should not be used in chicken runs without  supervision of your hens..

This wire is great however as overhead protection against flying predators.  I would also use it to separate some hens from the other flock members, such as introducing new birds to your existing stock.

 

Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth is welded steel.  It comes in various sizes.  I find the ½ inch mesh the best for chickens.  I would generally use this in the run area and around the coop.  It is strong and durable and has a galvanized finish protecting it against rust.  It doesn’t stretch  so it lasts longer.  Hardware cloth is  more expensive but it outperforms chicken wire in terms of predator protection.

 

Poultry Netting

Poultry netting is very similar to chicken wire but it is made of plastic.  It is very easy to cut and install.  You would use it the same as chicken wire.   The best use is as fencing around your veggie garden to keep chickens out.

 

Metal chicken wire is always preferable to plastic. It is more durable, sturdier and longer-lasting. The choice of either using galvanized or coated wire will just come down to personal preference and budget.