6 Best Chicken Nettings For Predators Old Farmers Swear By

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of finding a pile of feathers where a chicken used to be. It’s a brutal lesson every flock owner learns: a determined predator will exploit any weakness in your setup. The right fence isn’t just about keeping chickens in; it’s a critical line of defense that determines whether your flock thrives or becomes a local predator’s favorite buffet.

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Why Standard Chicken Wire Fails Against Predators

Let’s get one thing straight: standard "chicken wire" is for containing chickens, not for excluding predators. That thin, hexagonal wire is surprisingly weak. A raccoon can tear it open with its clever hands, and a determined dog or coyote can push right through it.

The gaps are another major failure. A weasel or mink can squeeze through an opening you’d think impossible, and a raccoon can easily reach a paw through to grab an unsuspecting bird roosting too close to the wall. It gives a false sense of security that often ends in tragedy.

Think of chicken wire as a visual barrier for your birds. For actual protection, you need something tougher, with smaller openings, or with an electric deterrent. Your primary run and coop should never rely solely on standard chicken wire for predator-proofing.

Premier 1 Supplies: Top Electric Netting Choice

When it comes to rotational grazing and keeping mobile predators like foxes and coyotes at bay, electric netting is the gold standard. Premier 1 Supplies is a name that comes up constantly for a reason. Their poultry netting is designed specifically for this purpose, with posts already integrated for quick setup and takedown.

The real magic is the electric pulse. A predator touches the fence once, gets a sharp but safe shock, and learns to stay away. It’s a psychological barrier as much as a physical one. This makes it ideal for pasturing your flock on fresh ground while ensuring they are protected day and night.

The key tradeoff is maintenance. You need a properly sized solar or AC-powered energizer to make it effective. You also have to keep the bottom line clear of tall grass and weeds, as this can ground out the fence and weaken the shock. It’s a small price to pay for the flexibility and protection it offers.

Starkline Electric Netting for Heavy-Duty Use

If you’re dealing with higher predator pressure or just want a more robust electric option, Starkline is a fantastic choice. Their netting often features more rigid, durable posts and a tighter weave in the lower sections. This provides a bit more physical resistance and is especially useful for keeping smaller, curious chicks from slipping through.

This heavy-duty construction means it can stand up to more abuse. If you’re moving your fence through rougher terrain or have livestock like goats nearby that might test the fence line, the added durability is worth it. The posts are often double-spiked, providing better stability in soft or uneven ground.

While it might be slightly heavier and a bit more of an investment than some other brands, the peace of mind is significant. For a semi-permanent pasture setup or for areas bordering woods known to house coyotes, Starkline provides an extra layer of confidence that your flock is secure.

Amagabeli Hardware Cloth for Maximum Security

Electric netting is for the pasture; hardware cloth is for the fortress. This is your non-negotiable material for fortifying the coop and permanent run. Unlike chicken wire, hardware cloth is a rigid, welded wire mesh, typically with 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch openings.

Nothing is getting through this. A raccoon can’t tear it, and a weasel can’t squeeze through the tiny gaps. Use it to cover every single window, vent, and opening on your coop. The most critical application is creating a "predator apron" by burying a 12-inch-wide strip of hardware cloth around the entire perimeter of your run, which stops animals from digging their way in.

This isn’t a fencing option; it’s a fundamental security measure. It’s more expensive and difficult to work with than chicken wire, but the first time you see digging marks stop dead at your buried apron, you’ll understand its value. Don’t build a coop without it.

Gallagher SmartFence: Portable & User-Friendly

For the farmer who needs maximum portability and speed, the Gallagher SmartFence is a game-changer. It’s an all-in-one system with four strands of polywire, posts, and reels integrated into a single, easy-to-carry unit. You can set up or break down a 330-foot fence in minutes.

This isn’t a visual barrier; it’s a serious electric fence. It’s perfect for creating temporary paddocks for rotational grazing, quickly sectioning off a part of the yard, or protecting a garden from your flock. The convenience is unmatched, especially for those of us with limited time.

The downside is the cost and the open-wire design. It’s a significant investment, and the wider spacing between wires means it won’t contain very young chicks as effectively as a true net fence. But for managing adult birds and deterring predators with incredible speed, it has no equal.

Petween Poultry Fence for Simple, Quick Setups

Sometimes you just need a simple, non-electric barrier for daytime use. Petween and similar lightweight poultry fences fill this niche perfectly. This type of fence is essentially a plastic mesh with light-duty step-in posts, designed for containment, not predator protection.

Its best use is for creating a temporary "day pen" in your yard under your supervision. It allows you to let the flock forage in a specific area without them wandering into your garden or the neighbor’s yard. It’s incredibly light, easy to move, and affordable.

Let’s be clear: do not rely on this fence for overnight protection or in areas with any significant predator pressure. A fox, dog, or even a hawk will see it as a minor inconvenience. Think of it as a convenient management tool, not a security system.

Tenax Poultry Netting: A Non-Electric Option

If you need a stronger non-electric barrier than the lightweight options, Tenax is a solid choice. This is a heavy-duty plastic or poly-mesh fence that is far more durable than standard bird netting. It’s UV-treated for longevity and provides a much more substantial physical barrier.

This netting works well for creating large, semi-permanent runs where electricity isn’t feasible or desired. It’s also an excellent choice for creating a top cover over a run to protect against aerial predators like hawks and owls. While a determined raccoon might eventually chew through it, it’s far more resistant than cheap alternatives.

The key is to pair it with other security measures. A Tenax fence will keep chickens in and deter casual predators, but it should be used in conjunction with a secure coop for nighttime and, ideally, a hardware cloth apron to prevent digging. It’s a great middle-ground solution for the right situation.

Proper Installation: Key to Predator Protection

You can buy the most expensive fencing in the world, but it will fail if it’s not installed correctly. The best materials are only as strong as your installation methods. Predators are experts at finding the one weak spot you overlooked.

For electric fences, two things are paramount: a powerful, properly sized energizer and a good ground. A weak shock is no deterrent. Keep the bottom wire free of vegetation, as grass and weeds will drain the power from the fence and render it useless. Walk your fence line regularly to check for shorts.

For non-electric fences, the biggest vulnerability is digging. Every permanent run must have a predator apron. This means either burying the fence 6-12 inches deep or, even better, laying a 12-24 inch skirt of hardware cloth flat on the ground around the perimeter, staked down securely. A predator’s instinct is to dig right at the fence line; an apron stops them cold.

Ultimately, choosing the right chicken netting is about honestly assessing your specific threats and needs. A portable electric fence is perfect for a pastured flock facing coyotes, while hardware cloth is the only real answer for a permanent run targeted by raccoons. The best defense is a layered one: a secure coop for night, a tough run for day, and a smart perimeter that respects the relentless ingenuity of a hungry predator.