10 Best Chicken Fences Reviews

Keeping your own chickens can be very rewarding. But for your brood to stay safe and secure, you’ll need a fence. And that fence needs to be strong enough to keep your chucks inside and to keep predators away.

Here, we take a look at 10 of the best chicken fences available today. We’ll assess their pros and cons, and our buying guide will help you decide which one best meets your needs.

Ready? Step this way to find the perfect fence.

1. Amagabeli 23 Gauge Electric Poultry Netting

If you’re looking for sturdier mesh, this hardware cloth from Amagabeli is well worth a look.

It’s a square grid of galvanized metal mesh with a double coating of zinc to resist corrosion. The metal is galvanized after welding, so there’s no danger of parts of the surface being exposed. That means you won’t have to worry about rust, even in the corners of the mesh.

Because the squares here are only ¼-inch wide and tall, even smaller critters won’t get through. And the metal is 23 gauge, so it’s pretty robust.

The result is a much heavier weight and more rigid fencing material. It works brilliantly for chicken coops and will do an effective job of keeping out predators like raccoons. And if you’re in an area where there are snakes, this will stop them in their tracks.

But there is a trade-off with ease of installation. Slicing through the mesh is harder work, and results in very sharp ends. It’s best to get it in place before cutting it if you possibly can.

It comes in a roll 36 inches wide by 50 feet long. If you want to cut it lengthways, you’ll need to use a hacksaw – and be prepared to take your time. And while it can be bent around corners, you’ll need to put your back into it. It’s fairly stiff.

Pros:

• Heavyweight enough to keep out pests like raccoons
• Small holes in the mesh will stop snakes in their tracks
• Galvanized metal construction won’t rust

Cons:

• Cutting through it takes time – and watch out for sharp edges
• Not the easiest to bend around corners.

 

2. Yardgard 308418A 20 Gauge Electric Chicken Fence

YardGard’s model 308418A fence offers an economical and effective way of keeping your chickens secure. It comes in a roll 150 feet long. That means you won’t have to unroll multiple packs, even for larger areas.

It’s made of 20-gauge woven steel, coated in zinc. The steel is galvanized before it’s woven, so the whole surface is protected from rust. The hexagonal weave is nice and strong too.

Each roll is 12 inches high. It works well as extra protection at the bottom of an existing fence. But if you want it to protect poultry against predators, you’ll need to build up your fence with multiple levels.

It’s lightweight, so rolling it out and installing it isn’t hard work. And each roll comes individually shrink-wrapped, so it will stay in perfect condition until it’s needed.

It’s designed to be flexible, so you will need a secure frame to attach it to. If you’re searching for something more rigid, look for a different option.

The galvanized finish and hexagonal weave are pretty unobtrusive. You’ll be able to see through your new fence without any difficulty. And if you prefer to avoid the sun reflecting on the metal, it’s possible to paint it with a roller.

Pros:

• Made of galvanized steel, so it won’t rust after rain
• Each roll offers a generous 150 feet of fencing
• Lightweight and easy to work with

Cons:

• Each roll is only 12 inches high
• More flexible than rigid – so you’ll need to secure it to a decent frame.

 

3. MTB PVC 20 Gauge Hexagonal Poultry Netting Chicken Fence

If you’re looking for fencing in a range of size options, MTB’s PVC hexagonal netting could be for you.

It comes in a choice of 18, 24 and 36-inch widths. The 18-inch fencing comes on either 25 or 50-foot rolls. The 24-inch version is available in either 25 or 150-foot rolls. The 36-inch wide version is only available in 25-foot lengths.

Whether you’re reinforcing the bottom of an existing fence, or building from scratch, there’s an option to suit.

It has a core of galvanized steel wire, and it’s coated in vinyl. That means it’s tough enough to stand up to the elements without corroding.

The vinyl coating has a glossy black finish, which is smart yet blends into the background. The smoother coating means it’s also easier on your hands during installation. We have, though, heard of one report where the color has bled.

The coating also means that this is a fence that’s resilient enough to cope with wildlife! If you’ve had difficulties in the past with squirrels or rabbits chewing through barriers, this is a good option.

The hexagonal pattern gives it strength. Each hexagon is joined to the next by a double wound coil of mesh. And each one is an inch wide, giving a good balance between sturdiness and visibility.

This is another lightweight and flexible fencing option. If you’re looking for something to stay firm over a wide area, choose a more rigid design.

Pros:

• Range of different lengths and widths available
• Vinyl coating effectively resists chewing by squirrels or rabbits
• Galvanized steel core is strong yet lightweight

Cons:

• Not the most rigid fencing – you’ll need a good frame for larger areas
• We’ve heard one case where the color bled from the vinyl coating.

 

4. MTB 20GA Hexagonal Poultry Netting Chicken Wire

If you prefer your fencing without plastic coating, this option from MTB could be a good choice. It’s made of 20-gauge steel, galvanized to protect it from rusting in the rain.

The mesh here has 1-inch gaps with a hexagonal design. The hexagons are joined together with a double twist of steel wire, so it’s very strong.

This is a particularly good option if you want to build a fence tall enough to keep out predators. It’s available in widths all the way up to 72 inches, and in lengths of either 25 or 50 feet.

And if you just need something to reinforce the base of an existing fence, that’s fine too. There’s a 12-inch width available on a 25-foot roll.

This is another option that’s lightweight and flexible. That means you won’t need to be a powerlifter to install it! And it will wrap easily around corner fenceposts.

If you’re looking for a rigid barrier over larger areas, it’s not ideal, but can be made to work. Position your fence posts closely together and pull the mesh as taut as possible before attaching it.

That does, though, mean that you’ll be spending more money on fence posts. And all that pulling of mesh can be hard work. If you need a heavier weight option, check out some of the other fencings on our list. You’ll find it far easier to get the results you need.

Be aware that we’ve heard of a couple of cases where the ends of rolls have been bunched up in delivery. It seems to be a rare experience, but with lighter weight fencing like this, it can happen.

Pros:

• Lightweight, yet strong and flexible
• Available in widths all the way up to 72 inches
• Galvanized to avoid rusting

Cons:

• Not as rigid as some options
• The ends of rolls can get bunched up during transit.

 

5. YARDGARD 308475B Poultry Netting

This option from YardGard is 3 feet wide and comes on a roll 50 feet long. It’s a good size for reinforcing the base of tall fences, or putting up smaller barriers.

Like other YardGard products, it’s made of steel mesh. The mesh is galvanized before it’s woven, so you can be confident the whole surface is rust-proof.

Each hexagon in this design is 2 inches tall, and may be slightly wider than that. That means this is less sturdy than some of the other products on our list.

But it is very flexible and light enough to be bent into shape with ease. It also creates a barrier that’s easy to see through. Just wear a thick pair of gloves as you’re working. There are some sharp edges that can cause a nasty scratch if you don’t.

Like the other 2-inch meshes on our list, this isn’t the best choice for keeping out predators. It won’t be sturdy enough. Curious hens will be able to poke their heads through the hexagons, and chicks will be able to walk right through.

But if you simply need something to demarcate a particular area, it will do the job well. It’s also good for laying at the base of fences to stop animals digging tunnels underneath.

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible
• Creates an unobtrusive barrier for uninterrupted viewing
• Galvanized steel won’t rust

Cons:

• The hexagons are big enough for chicks to walk straight through
• Not rigid enough to be an effective deterrent for larger predators.

 

6. Tenax Poultry Fence

If you’re looking for something that’s easier to work with than wire mesh, consider this fencing from Tenax. It’s made completely of plastic, so there aren’t any sharp ends to cause injury.

Plastic doesn’t sound as hard-wearing as metal, though – so how does it cope with outdoor use?

Well, there is a compromise here. Plastic fencing isn’t as tough as steel. But this plastic is treated so it won’t degrade in sunlight. And of course, you won’t have to worry about rain causing it to rust. You can expect to get between three and five years of use before you’ll need to replace it.

Each roll is 25 feet long and 3 feet wide. It’s formed from a series of hexagons to give it strength. Cutting it for installation is easy. Just slice through it with a utility knife.

It’s green in color, so it will also blend in easily in gardens or paddocks. And it can be attached to fence posts with a few staples.

As a fence to keep out predators, though, this isn’t the best option. The plastic can be chewed through by determined little teeth. And larger animals will be able to push their way through.

And note that in cold weather, the plastic will become more brittle. If you’re installing it when the temperature is low, take care not to stretch it too far. You may find that it snaps.

Pros:

• No sharp ends to cause injury
• Treated to resist UV rays
• Green finish blends in easily with grass and plants for an unobtrusive barrier

Cons:

• Not effective at keeping out predators
• Becomes brittle in colder weather.

 

7. Amagabeli 20 Gauge Electric Poultry Netting

If you’re looking for lighter weight netting, this option from Amagabeli may fit the bill. This is another mesh with a hexagonal design, but here the hexagons are 2 inches tall. That means it’s very flexible, and it’s economically priced too. But it’s not as sturdy as other fencing materials on our list.

It’s made of galvanized aluminum, so it’s lightweight and easy to install. It comes on a roll 36 inches high by 50 feet long. If you’re looking for something that’s heavier weight, one option would be to apply two layers. Overlapping the hexagons will create smaller holes and a sturdier fence.

If you’re looking for a simple fence to stop your chickens roaming, this will be fine. But don’t rely on it if you need something to keep out predators. Any larger critters, like foxes, won’t find it too much of a challenge to get through. And without vinyl coating, it’s easier for sharp teeth to chew holes in it.

On the plus side, the larger holes make this very unobtrusive. If you don’t need a sturdy barrier and want an uninterrupted view, it’s a great choice.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to install
• Very economical
• Large holes create an unobtrusive barrier

Cons:

• Not the best choice to keep out predators
• Flexible rather than rigid.

 

8. YARDGARD 23 Gauge Chicken Fence

YardGard’s model 308212B is another hardware cloth that’s a little more robust.

This one is made of 23-gauge galvanized metal coated with two layers of zinc. The zinc coating means you won’t have to worry about it rusting, even after heavy rain.

It’s 24 inches wide. The roll length here isn’t the longest. There’s a choice of either 5 or 25 feet.

Like the Amagabeli option above, this one has mesh that’s ¼-inch square. Chicks won’t be able to get through it, and the thicker metal construction presents a robust barrier to smaller predators. But if you’re trying to keep out larger beasties, this won’t be heavy-duty enough.

On the plus side, it still bends fairly easily, so you’ll be able to wrap it around corners if needed. It can be cut to length with wire cutters. And it’s an economical choice that won’t break the bank.

Pros:

• ¼-inch mesh is small enough to prevent chicks from walking through
• Two layers of zinc coating means this won’t rust
• Easy to bend and cut

Cons:

• Not robust enough to keep out most predators
• Maximum roll length of 25 feet.

 

9. MTB 23GA Chicken Fence

This hardware cloth from MTB is another one that uses square mesh. Each hole is ¼-inch square, so it’s small enough to prevent chicks wandering through the barrier.

It’s made of galvanized 23-gauge steel wire. There’s no vinyl coating, so the finish is the original silver color. The steel is dipped in zinc only after it’s been formed into the mesh grid. That means there are no gaps in the coating that could allow rust to form.

It will effectively keep out snakes and rats. But be warned: larger and determined predators can bite through the wire.

There are a number of choices when it comes to the roll size. It’s available in widths of 24, 36 and 48 inches, and lengths of 25 or 50 feet.

It’s easy enough to cut through. If you can find a friend to help with installation, though, it will make the job easier. Once you’ve started to unwind them, the rolls have a tendency to keep unwinding!

Pros:

• Double coat of zinc effectively resists rust
• ¼-inch mesh is small enough to keep out rats or snakes
• Available in three widths and 25 or 50-feet lengths

Cons:

• Won’t keep out larger predators
• The rolls are prone to unwinding fully once you’ve opened them.

 

10. Abba Patio Snow Chicken Fence

Abba’s all-plastic fencing is a good option for a quick fix while more permanent structures are put in place.

It comes on a roll that’s 100 feet long and 4 feet high, giving you plenty of fencing to play with. The mesh here is a grid pattern, with each hole 1.7 inches square. It’s available in bright orange if you want it to stand out, or muted green to fade into the background.

Being plastic, it won’t rust, and it’s treated so it won’t rot or degrade in sunlight either. It’s easily sliced through with a utility knife. And the whole 100-foot roll weighs just over 10½ pounds, so it’s not too heavy to lug around.

This has great environmental credentials, having been made from old plastic drinks bottles. If you want the satisfaction of knowing you’re reducing plastic waste, it’s a great option.

But note that the size of the holes means that smaller pests will be able to get in and out. And curious chicks may be able to make their way through without too much difficulty.

The plastic is also more vulnerable to chewing than metal chicken wire. If you want to keep dogs or predators away from your chucks, it won’t be the best option.

It’s great for temporary use, though. Attach it to fence posts with zip ties, and the process is finished in minutes. When you’ve finished with it, simply take it down, fold it up and put it away for next time.

Pros:

• Exceptionally easy to install and take down – great for temporary barriers
• Available in a choice of dark green or bright orange
• Made from recycled plastic bottles, minimizing plastic waste

Cons:

• Won’t keep out predators
• The mesh is large enough that chicks may be able to get through the holes.

 

How To Choose A Chicken Fence: A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re read through our reviews but still aren’t sure which chicken fence to choose – read on! Our buying guide will walk you through the questions to ask yourself before you make your selection.

How big?

To begin with, consider the size of the fence you want to build. Will you be using it for the sides of a chicken coop? Do you need to reinforce the bottom of an existing fence? Or are you planning to build a whole new fence from scratch?

Once you know the dimensions of your fence or coop, you’ll be able to choose a suitable material. The fencing on our list comes in different widths and lengths. Match those to the dimensions of your structure, and you’ll minimize the number of cuts you need to make.

That will make the whole installation process much quicker and easier.

How strong?

Next, consider how strong you need your fence to be.

If you’re just looking for a temporary structure, plastic fencing can work very well. It’s lightweight and easy to install. And you’ll be able to take it down just as quickly. But it won’t keep out predators – sharp teeth will chew straight through.

For sturdier barriers, consider aluminum or steel fencing. Look for options with a thicker gauge of metal and smaller mesh to deter predators. And if you’re keeping baby chicks, make sure the holes are small enough to prevent them walking through.

Fencing with a metal core and vinyl coating offers a good defence against wildlife. The vinyl coating is tricky to chew through, while the metal adds strength.

How will it look?

Finally, it’s worth considering how your new fence will look.

Mesh with large holes will be easy to see straight through. Some metal fencing can be spray painted the color of your choice. Other types already have vinyl coating in different colors. Green is particularly good at fading into a background of grass and plants.

Of course, the larger the mesh, the easier it will be for animals to get out – and in. So there’s a trade-off between visual appeal and strength. If you need to protect your chickens from predators, a more noticeable fence may be essential.

Ready to choose your new chicken fence?

That brings us to the end of our list of the ten best chicken fences out there. We hope we’ve helped you find the one that will work best for your brood.

We love Amagabeli 23 Gauge Poultry Netting. It’s sturdy enough to keep your chickens secure, and the ¼-inch mesh will keep snakes out too. Just take your time with installation, and make sure you wear thick gloves to protect your hands.

Whichever fence is right for your yard, we hope it keeps your chickens safe and happy. Happy shopping!