Many amateur and professional chicken keepers know how crucial choosing the right chicken wire is for the safety of their animals. However, with a variety of types of chicken wire on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is best for your chickens. We will discuss the essential needs of your chickens, the important criteria to consider when choosing chicken wire, and we will make a comparison of the best types of chicken wire available on the market.
Understand the needs of your chickens to choose the right chicken wire
Before purchasing a fence, it is essential to understand the needs of your chickens. By nature, chickens are birds of prey. They are exposed to different types of predators such as foxes, weasels, birds of prey and even stray dogs. To guarantee their safety, a solid and reliable fence is necessary.
It is also important to take into account theenvironment in which your chickens will evolve. Is it a wide, open space? Or rather a confined space? These details will influence your choice of fencing, because they will determine what you need to protect your chickens from.
In addition, chickens need space to move around, peck and roam. Therefore, the fence must also allow some visibility so that the chickens do not feel too confined.
Important selection criteria for an effective chicken wire
There are several aspects to consider when choosing the best chicken wire for your chickens.
- Material strength : Some predators, such as foxes, can chew through certain types of mesh. It is therefore important to choose a robust material, such as metal.
- Mesh size : Screens with large meshes can allow certain predators to pass through. Therefore select a fence with fairly small mesh sizes.
- The height of the fence : Some species of chickens can fly quite high, so the height of the fence must be sufficient to prevent them from escaping. Additionally, some predators can jump over low fences.
- Ease of installation : Finally, the choice of a fence that is easy to install is a significant point in selecting the best chicken wire.
Comparison of the best types of chicken wires on the market
There are several types of mesh on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Galvanized steel mesh : It is the most resistant and durable. It is best for protection against persistent predators and bad weather. However, its installation can be more complex and its cost higher.
- The plastic mesh : It is lighter and easier to install. It also has meshes of different sizes. However, it may be less robust and some predators can destroy it easily.
- Welded mesh : It offers excellent resistance to predators and is also easy to install. Its main disadvantage is its cost, which is generally higher than other types of mesh.
This list is not exhaustive, there are other types of mesh on the market, such as lattice or chicken wire mesh. Each of these types of chicken wire has its own advantages and disadvantages, and your choice will mainly depend on the specific needs of your chickens.
The advantages of mesh fencing for protecting your chickens
Trellis fencing is another popular type of fencing used for chicken protection. It has several advantages that make it an attractive choice for many breeders.
First of all, mesh fencing is extremely versatile. It can be used to create enclosures of different sizes and shapes, making it ideal for adapting to different types of spaces. Whether you have a large plot of land or a small garden, trellis fencing can be easily adjusted to meet your specific needs.
In addition to its versatility, mesh fencing is also very strong and durable. Made from galvanized steel wire, it resists bad weather and predator attacks. The wires are tightly woven to create a sturdy barrier that prevents foxes, weasels and other predators from entering the enclosure. This ensures the safety of your chickens and gives you peace of mind.
Another advantage of mesh fencing is its visibility. Unlike other types of fencing, the mesh allows good visibility both inside and outside the enclosure. This allows the chickens to see their surroundings and feel less confined. Plus, it also makes it easier to monitor your chickens, allowing you to quickly spot any possible problems.
Finally, the trellis fence is relatively easy to install. It can be attached to wooden or metal posts using zip ties or nails. With a little planning and preparation, you can quickly set up a secure enclosure for your chickens.
However, it is important to note that mesh wire mesh can be more expensive than other types of wire mesh such as plastic wire mesh or welded wire mesh. This is mainly due to the increased strength and durability of the mesh. Before making your choice, be sure to consider your budget and specific needs.
