Choosing the correct fence for your poultry can spell the difference between their life and death. It not just keeps your birds safe and healthy, but also keeps you happy and stress-free.
This brings us to the question of choosing the right type of chicken fence to control the movements of your flock and save them from predators. It also helps in protecting your garden from wandering chickens.
Since it serves so many important purposes, the chicken fence must be chosen carefully. Here are some of the best options of chicken fences that you can choose from depending on your unique needs.
Chicken Wire
Almost everyone recognizes this one. Made with its familiar hexagonal gaps, it is one of the most sought-after chicken fences poultry owners.
Also known as poultry netting, it’s been around for ages, simply because of how effective it is.
It is made of stainless steel or galvanized steel wires and is available in different sizes of holes or gaps ranging from 2-0.5 inches. The netting gauge width also varies. It ranges from 1-0.7mm in thickness. Chicken wire is very effective in keeping out smaller predators such as rats, possums, and cats.
Rabbit Cage Wire
Also known as hardware cloth, this is the perfect option for poultry owners who want to upgrade the safety of their flock. This is made up of sturdier mesh than chicken wire. It is usually stainless-steel, galvanized, welded wire that comes shaped in rectangles or squares.
Since it is a stronger option, the predators cannot easily enter the coop or pull out their prey from between the fencing. This is the perfect option for predators such as foxes, snakes, minks, porcupines, rats, and raccoons. A hardware cloth’s wire is between 19-23 gauge and the squares range from ¼ to ½ inch.
Chainlink Fencing
Chainlink fencing is one of the best options for chicken fences in Calgary. This is the perfect option for poultry owners who have large predators in their areas. These may include wild dogs and bears that can bring down poultry netting.
Chainlink fencing is much sturdier. It is made of twisted interlocked wires made into a diamond-shaped mesh.
The wires of this fencing are galvanized or coated with PVC, making it more resistant to rust and more durable in the long run. It is available in rolls or panels and can be made into a fence of any size depending on your needs.
We advise covering the bottom portion of chainlink fencing with hardware cloth to prevent predators from grabbing your chickens. This will also deter the chickens from escaping.
Though a chainlink fence may cost you more, you can rest assured about the safety of your flock due to its durability. It’s certainly worth it!
Electric Fence
Should I get an electric fence? This is one of the oft-asked questions by poultry owners who require fencing. Going by our fencing experience, we believe that there is no better option than an electric fence.
This fence is easier to install and offers the maximum amount of safety for your birds. It is extremely effective when your neighbourhood has foxes and coyotes.
However, it is a high-maintenance fence that will require you to weed constantly around its perimeter. And of course, any power outages mean exposing your birds to danger.
We advise considering a solar-powered fence to save on those electricity bills or investing in a generator.
Now that you know some of the best fencing options, here are some expert tips for you to get the most out of your investment:
- Whichever fencing option you choose, make sure that it has a height of at least 200 cms. Even if your flock likes to take a flight, this height will not allow them to cross the fence.
- Offer every bird an individual space of at least 10 square feet.
- Always bury your fence a minimum of 2 feet underground. It should never end at the ground level. Pack in the soil and create an apron of at least an inch. This prevents predators such as weasels or foxes from digging in.
Given the careful consideration that chicken fencing requires, it is essential to choose a good quality fence and get it installed by experienced people. At Battlefield Supply, we have helped thousands of Calgary poultry owners safeguard their flocks. To speak to our experienced fencing specialists, call us at 403-700-5922. Or, meet us at 255185 Rg Rd 280 Delacour, Ab.
