Chicken Wire
High quality chicken wire mesh. Use for small animal enclosures, chicken coops, fruit cages, general gardening & DIY.
- BUDGET, STANDARD or PREMIUM grades. Learn more.
- Next day delivery on all orders
Helpful Chicken Wire Information
Customer Images
Videos
Installation Instructions
Behind the scenes
What’s Included? | Play Video |
Strength and flexibility differences between the wire diameters | |
How to attach chicken wire to different posts & materials | |
How to install a chicken wire fence | |
How to unroll chicken wire | |
How to cut chicken wire |
Which Grade?
Type | Galvanisation Method | Properties |
BUDGET | Steel wires are pre-galvanised before being woven together to create the netting. | Thinner coating. Lower abrasion & corrosion resistance. |
STANDARD | Mesh is manufactured, then hot dip galvanised in a protective zinc layer. | Thicker, continual coating in all areas, higher strength, higher abrasion & corrosion resistance. |
PREMIUM | Mesh is manufactured, then hot dip galvanised in a thicker protective zinc layer. | Best quality for professional use. Increased abrasion & corrosion resistance to withstand harsh conditions, incl. beneath the soil. Long lifespan. |
Application & Uses
Hole Size Required |
Diameter Required |
Coating Required |
Further Consideration |
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Animal Applications – View All | ||||
Chicken enclosures
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50mm x 50mm |
1mm (19g) |
Any |
If you need to keep foxes out, see Fox Fence |
Dog fence | 25mm x 25mm+ | Any | PVC | Deterrent only. To stop your canine chewing, jumping or pushing over the fence see Dog Fence |
Rabbit proofing | 31mm x 31mm | 1mm+ (19g) | Any | Choose 1.2mm (18g) to stop determined wild rabbits |
Bird proofing |
13mm x 13mm+ |
1mm (19g)+ |
Galvanised |
The ability to chew differs dramatically across breeds. See Aviary Mesh |
Deer proofing |
Any |
Any |
Any |
Choose 1.8m (6ft) height. If you need a taller fence, see Welded Mesh or Panels |
Badger proofing |
– |
– |
– |
See Badger Proof mesh |
Cat proofing |
– |
– |
– |
A stronger option is required |
Fox proof |
– |
– |
– |
. A stronger option is required. See Fox proof fence |
Mouse & Rat proof |
– |
– |
– |
6mm x 6mm holes required. See Rodent Mesh |
Larger animals/farm animals |
— |
– |
– |
See Stock Fencing or Animal Fencing |
Fencing Applications | ||||
Multi-purpose fencing |
Any |
Any |
Any |
Chicken wire can be used as a fence, but it isn’t very strong. If you need to keep out larger animals or intruders, see Panels or Weld Mesh rolls |
Garden border fence |
– |
– |
– | We recommend 2mm+ to create a durable. longer-lasting fence. See Panels or Weld Mesh rolls. |
Garden Applications | ||||
Plant support |
50mm x 50mm+ |
0.7mm+ |
Any |
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Trellis |
50mm x 50mm |
Any |
Any |
All Chicken Wire can be used as a trellis, but our 3mm+ wire panels are most popular due to their rigidity and ease of installation |
Compost Bin |
13mm x 13mm |
1mm (19g)+ |
Any |
|
Anti Slip |
25mm x 25mm+ |
1.6mm (16g) |
Galvanised |
|
Fruit cages |
13mm x 13mm |
Any |
Any |
To protect from a specific type of bird, see Aviary Mesh |
Arts & Crafts Applications | ||||
Sculpture |
13mm x 13mm+ |
1mm (19g) |
Galvanised |
|
Paper Mache |
13mm x 13mm+ |
1mm (19g) |
Galvanised |
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Flower arranging |
13mm x 13mm+ |
1mm (19g) |
Galvanised |
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Properties
Property | Description |
Material & Construction | Galvanised steel, hexagonal fencing mesh. Hot dipped in protective zinc coating |
Appearance | Hexagonal apertures. Metallic grey, silver look |
Handling | Lightweight & malleable. Easy to cut & shape |
Biodegradable | No |
Protecting exposed steel | Rust may occur where new cuts are made if untreated steel is exposed. Protect with galvanised spray or paint |
Not suitable for… |
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Attachments
Attach to: | How to: |
Wood/ Wooden Posts (Staples) |
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Metal/ Metal Posts (Cable ties) |
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Soil
(Pegs) |
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Wire Fence
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Installation
The following instructions show you how to install chicken wire with T-posts
Step 1 – Mark Area
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Mark a straight line between the two end posts.
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Step 2 – Measure Post Distance
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The posts should be 2-3m apart. The shorter the distance, the more stable the fence will be.
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Step 3 – Install End Posts
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Use a post driver or mallet to sink the posts 50cm into the ground. Make sure the holes in the posts are facing each other.
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Step 4 – Set in Concrete (optional)
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Optional: for a stronger fence, set your posts in cement.
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Step 5 – Check for Same Height
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Attach a string between the end posts. Use a spirit level to ensure that posts have been installed at the same height.
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Step 6 – Check for Straightness
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Also check that the posts are stright.
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Step 7 – Install Middle Posts
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For the installation of middle posts, repeat steps 3-6.
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Step 8 – Install Tension Wire (Optional)
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Optional: To prevent the fence from sagging over time, attach tension wire to the holes in the end posts. Fasten it by twisting the wire’s end with pliers.
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Step 9 – Attach Mesh to End Post
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Attach the mesh to the end post using cable ties.
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Step 10 – Unroll
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Unroll the mesh until you reach the second post. Pull to remove any slack, then attach with cable ties.
Continue until you reach the end post.
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Step 11 – Attach to Tension Wire (Optional)
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Optional: If you have installed a tension wire, attach the mesh using cable ties at intervals of 30-45cm.
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FAQs
Can I use galvanised chicken mesh to protect my flowerbeds from digging animals and defecating cats?
Yes. We’d recommend the Premium option. Either attach it to posts and surround the flowerbed, or lie the netting flat on the soil and cover with dirt. Once detected by the animal it will likely stop digging.
How do I attach the mesh to my coop?
- Unravel the netting and use a pair of pliers/cutters to create the desired length.
- Wearing protective gloves, fold about an inch of the netting over at each end to avoid sharp edges that may harm your birds.
- Use a staple gun to attach the netting to posts, or to the outside of your coop.
Downloadable PDFs
Specification
- Budget Chicken Wire Specification
- Standard Chicken Wire Specification
- Premium Chicken Wire Specification
Installation
Guides
- How to Paint Chicken Wire
- How to Make Tomato Cages From Chicken Wire
- How to Make Chicken Wire Ghost Figures
- How to Make Topiary Frames with Chicken Wire
- How to Make Flower Vase with Paper Mache
- How To Attach Chicken Wire to Wood Frame
- How to Make Picture Frames with Chicken Wire
- How to Make a Christmas Light Ball With Chicken Wire
- How to Use Chicken Wire in Flower Arrangements
- How to Make a Jewelry Holder with Chicken Wire
- How to Build a Cat Enclosure with Chicken Wire