6 Best Brands Of Chicken Wire Netting That Old Farmers Swear By
Discover the top six chicken wire brands favored by seasoned farmers. This guide highlights durable netting options to keep your poultry safe and protected.
Walking out to the coop only to find a hole in the wire is a nightmare every hobby farmer fears. Choosing the right netting isn’t just about keeping birds in; it’s about creating a perimeter that stands up to weather and hungry predators. These six brands have earned their place in barns across the country because they actually do the job they promise.
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Yardgard Poultry Netting: The Classic Farmer Choice
Yardgard is the brand you’ll see in almost every local hardware store for a reason. It’s the quintessential hexagonal mesh that defines the "chicken wire" look for most beginners. While it’s lightweight and easy to handle, you have to remember it’s primarily for containment, not high-security protection.
If you’re just trying to keep your layers out of the vegetable garden, this is your best bet. It’s affordable enough to buy in bulk without breaking the farm budget. Just don’t expect it to stop a determined raccoon who has all night to work on a weak spot.
Amagabeli Hardware Cloth for Maximum Security
When you need to upgrade from simple netting to something that stops predators, Amagabeli hardware cloth is the gold standard. This isn’t your standard hex mesh; it’s a welded square grid that provides maximum security against small paws and sharp teeth.
The 1/2-inch spacing is the sweet spot for most hobby setups. It’s small enough to keep snakes out but heavy enough that it won’t sag under its own weight. Use this for the bottom two feet of your run and any windows on the coop itself.
Keep in mind that hardware cloth is stiffer and harder to cut than poultry netting. You’ll need a good pair of tin snips and some patience to get the edges flush. The extra effort pays off when you sleep through a stormy night knowing the flock is safe.
Fencer Wire Hexagonal Mesh for Easy Installation
Fencer Wire specializes in a hexagonal mesh that feels a bit more "forgiving" during the rollout process. Some brands tend to curl back on themselves like a spring, but this wire lays relatively flat. This makes it a top choice for solo projects where you don’t have an extra set of hands to hold the tension.
The flexibility is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with uneven terrain or custom-built frames. It wraps around corners easily without kinking or snapping the galvanized coating.
Consider these factors when choosing Fencer Wire:
- Gauge thickness (20-gauge is standard for light duty).
- Roll length vs. your total perimeter needs.
- Ease of stapling to wooden posts.
MTB Supply Galvanized Wire for Permanent Pens
If you are building a permanent pen that you want to last for a decade, MTB Supply is the heavy-hitter. Their galvanized wire is often thicker than the "big box" alternatives. This added mass makes it ideal for structures that won’t be moved or adjusted.
The galvanization process they use is thorough, meaning the joints are well-protected against moisture. In a permanent setup, the wire often sits in contact with damp ground, making rust resistance your number one priority.
Because this wire is stiffer, it supports its own weight better over long spans. You can often get away with fewer support posts, which saves you money on lumber in the long run.
Tenax C-Flex Plastic Netting for Portable Coops
Not every enclosure needs to be made of metal. Tenax C-Flex is a high-strength plastic netting that is a game-changer for portable chicken tractors. It’s incredibly lightweight, which means you won’t throw your back out moving the coop to fresh grass every morning.
Unlike metal, plastic won’t rust or develop sharp "burrs" that can snag your clothes or injure the birds. It’s surprisingly UV-resistant, so it won’t get brittle and crack after one summer in the sun.
The tradeoff here is obviously strength against large predators. Use Tenax for overhead cover to stop hawks or for daytime runs where you are nearby. It’s a specialized tool for a specific type of mobile farming.
Gilbert & Bennett Poultry Wire for Rust Control
Rust is the silent killer of any farm fence. Gilbert & Bennett have built a reputation on their coating process, ensuring their poultry wire survives through wet winters and humid summers. If you live in a coastal area or a place with high rainfall, this is the brand to hunt for.
Their wire maintains its structural integrity even when the outer layer takes a beating. You won’t see that ugly orange streak appearing six months after installation.
Investing in better coating upfront saves you the labor of tearing down and replacing brittle wire later. It’s a classic case of paying a little more now to save a lot later.
How to Install Your Yardgard Netting Correctly
Proper installation of Yardgard netting starts with a trench. If you just staple it to the bottom rail, a fox will dig under it in five minutes. Dig a 6-inch deep trench and bury the bottom of the wire, or flare it outward in an "L" shape to discourage diggers.
When stapling to your posts, start from the center and work your way out to the edges. This prevents the wire from "bubbling" or sagging in the middle. Use a fence tensioning tool or a simple 2×4 to pull the mesh taut before driving in your final staples.
Key Installation Tips:
- Overlap seams by at least three inches.
- Use heavy-duty galvanized staples.
- Check for tension every few feet to ensure a professional finish.
Cleaning Your Amagabeli Mesh to Prevent Damage
Keeping your Amagabeli mesh clean is about more than just aesthetics. Over time, mud, chicken droppings, and wet leaves can trap moisture against the wire. This speeds up the breakdown of the protective zinc coating and leads to premature failure.
A simple stiff-bristled brush and a bucket of water are usually all you need. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that might react with the galvanization or harm your birds. Just scrub away the debris once a season to let the wire "breathe."
While you clean, keep an eye out for any broken welds or spots where a predator might have tried to chew through. Catching these small issues early allows you to patch the mesh before a minor weakness becomes a major breach.
Choosing the right wire is the foundation of a stress-free hobby farm. By matching the brand to your specific needs—whether it’s security, portability, or longevity—you ensure your flock stays safe and your workload stays manageable.
