Chicken wire is a practical and affordable physical barrier used to protect garden plantings from common pests like rabbits and other small animals. Installing this enclosure requires careful planning and execution to ensure the barrier is effective against both jumpers and diggers. Success relies on selecting the correct materials and following a specific installation sequence.
Planning the Enclosure and Selecting Materials
Assessing the primary pest threat determines the necessary fence specifications. For rabbits, the enclosure should be at least 3 feet high to prevent jumping. If the fence is intended to exclude free-ranging poultry, a height of 6 feet is often necessary to block short flights.
Mesh size is also important; for excluding rabbits, an opening of 1 inch or less is recommended, often using 13mm (1/2 inch) to 25mm (1 inch) hexagonal netting. Standard chicken wire gauge ranges from 18 to 20, offering flexibility and strength.
Metal T-posts provide superior stability, while pressure-treated wooden posts offer an aesthetic option. Wood posts require galvanized fence staples for attachment, and T-posts use specialized metal clips or heavy-duty zip ties. Calculate the total linear footage and post count accurately to ensure you purchase enough materials.
Preparing the Garden Perimeter
Before setting posts, thoroughly prepare the planned fence line to create a clean, level surface. Clear away all existing brush, weeds, and debris along the intended path. Removing this vegetation ensures the wire mesh sits flush with the ground, preventing gaps where pests might enter.
Measure the perimeter and mark the exact locations for each post. Use stakes and a string line to establish straight lines for the enclosure. Posts should be spaced between 6 and 10 feet apart. Corner posts require the most robust placement to handle the tension of the wire. Accurate spacing ensures the wire remains taut and prevents sagging, which can create weak points in the barrier.
Setting Posts and Attaching the Wire
The installation process begins with setting the corner posts first, as these anchor the entire structure and bear the highest lateral load. For wooden posts, this typically requires digging a hole and setting the post with concrete or compacting the soil firmly around it. Metal T-posts are driven directly into the ground using a specialized post driver.
Once the corner posts are secure, install the line posts along the marked string line, maintaining the uniform 6 to 10-foot spacing. Unroll the chicken wire along the exterior of the posts, starting at a corner. Keeping the wire on the outside prevents animals from pushing the fence inward and creating access points.
Temporarily attach the mesh to the initial post while unrolling the length to the next post. When attaching to wooden posts, use galvanized U-shaped fence staples, driving them securely without cutting the wire. For T-posts, use the manufacturer-recommended metal clips.
To join two sections, overlap the ends by at least 6 inches and use short pieces of wire or hog rings to twist the two edges together tightly. It is a good practice to ensure the cut ends of the wire point toward the outside of the garden.
Securing the Base and Finishing Touches
Securing the bottom edge of the wire below the soil line prevents pests from digging beneath the fence. Dig a shallow trench, approximately 6 to 12 inches deep, along the perimeter before attaching the wire to the posts. Place the bottom of the chicken wire into this trench and bury it, creating a vertical underground barrier.
A more robust technique is creating a pest apron, an outward L-shape barrier that deters persistent diggers. To form this apron, bend the bottom 6 to 12 inches of the wire outward at a 90-degree angle. Place this horizontal section on the ground surface and cover it with soil or sod. When an animal attempts to dig, they encounter the horizontal wire mesh.
After the base is secured, check the entire fence line for loose fasteners or small gaps, especially near the ground and corners. Taller installations may require additional tensioning before final attachments are made.
Install any necessary access points, such as a gate section, ensuring it latches securely and maintains ground-level protection.