Chicken wire, also formally known as poultry netting, is a type of fencing material characterized by its signature hexagonal mesh pattern. It is typically manufactured from thin, flexible wire that has been galvanized, or coated with zinc, to resist corrosion and prolong its outdoor lifespan. This material is widely available in different gauges, which refers to the thickness of the wire, and various mesh opening sizes, usually ranging from one to two inches. The netting’s inherent flexibility makes it simple to unroll and shape, adapting easily to different contours and project requirements.
Primary Uses for Barrier and Pest Control
The most frequent application of poultry netting involves creating physical barriers to manage animal access in agricultural and garden settings. Its small mesh size is particularly effective at excluding smaller ground-level pests such as rabbits, groundhogs, and voles from vegetable patches and flower beds. A proper garden barrier usually requires the wire to be sunk six to twelve inches beneath the soil line, creating an apron or L-shape at the base to prevent burrowing animals from digging under the fence line.
This pliable material is the namesake component for constructing safe enclosures for domestic fowl, ranging from temporary brooder pens to expansive, permanent chicken runs. While it is excellent for containing flightless birds, the wire gauge must be robust enough to withstand the birds’ activity and any moderate pressure. For larger fowl or areas prone to predator pressure, one must select a heavier 18 or 19 gauge wire and ensure the mesh is securely fastened to a sturdy post system.
The material’s malleability allows it to be easily formed into conical or cylindrical cages that protect individual young trees, shrubs, or newly planted saplings. Wrapping a young plant in a tube of netting prevents deer, squirrels, and other browsers from damaging the bark or consuming tender leaves and buds. This method is often preferred for its low visual profile and the ease with which the enclosures can be adjusted or removed as the plants mature.
Creating barriers over uneven terrain is simplified due to the wire’s ability to conform to slopes, dips, and curves. Unlike welded wire fencing, the hexagonal weave permits the material to be bent and manipulated around existing obstacles, ensuring a continuous perimeter. Chicken wire is also sometimes deployed in temporary erosion control applications on small slopes. The mesh helps to hold straw or organic material in place until seeds can germinate and the root systems stabilize the soil.
Essential Techniques for Working with Chicken Wire
Handling galvanized poultry netting safely requires preparation before beginning any installation or project. Due to the sharp, cut edges and the potential for snags, heavy-duty work gloves are necessary to protect hands from lacerations. When cutting the material, small pieces of wire can occasionally snap or fly off, making the use of safety glasses or goggles a necessary precaution against eye injury.
The most effective tool for cutting the wire mesh is a quality pair of tin snips or aviation shears. It is best practice to cut the wire along one of the hexagonal joints, leaving a short, manageable tail of wire extending from the cut edge. This technique ensures the remaining section of mesh retains its structural integrity without unraveling at the cut point.
When two sections of netting must be joined together, several methods provide a secure connection. One common technique involves overlapping the edges by several inches and using specialized hog ring pliers to crimp small metal rings through the overlapping layers. Alternatively, twist the loose wire tails left from the cutting process around the adjacent section’s mesh, creating a series of tight, interlocking connections.
When securing the netting to a wooden post or frame, specialized U-shaped fencing staples are the standard fastener. For metal posts, the material must be secured using galvanized wire ties or UV-resistant zip ties, ensuring the fasteners are spaced closely enough, typically every 6 to 12 inches, to maintain tension along the entire vertical plane. The act of joining pieces demands attention to the wire gauge, as using mismatched gauges can lead to weak points.
Achieving a professional and durable installation requires stretching the material taut before final securement to posts or frames. Sagging wire compromises the barrier’s effectiveness, allowing animals to push under or through the loose sections. The netting should be pulled firmly across the posts, working from one end to the other, to eliminate slack before fastening it with staples or wire ties.
Utilizing Chicken Wire for Structural Support and Craft
Beyond its use as an exclusionary barrier, poultry netting is highly valued for its ability to serve as a lightweight, flexible structural base in construction and decorative projects.
Metal Lath and Reinforcement
Historically, it has been used as a type of metal lath, fastened to framing members to provide reinforcement and a strong bonding surface for materials like plaster or stucco. The mesh creates a mechanical key, allowing the wet mixture to grip the irregularities of the wire and cure into a robust, crack-resistant surface. In colder climates or older construction, the netting is sometimes used within wall cavities or crawl spaces to hold loose-fill insulation materials against the structural beams. This application prevents the insulation from settling or shifting over time, ensuring a consistent thermal barrier.
Armature and Support
The material’s capacity to hold a specific shape makes it an excellent armature for three-dimensional artistic and crafting endeavors. Artists often use it to build the initial skeletal form for large sculptures before applying materials like papier-mâché, clay, or concrete overlay. Gardeners utilize the wire, bent into vertical cylindrical or flat trellis shapes, to offer necessary vertical support for climbing plants such as sweet peas, cucumbers, or pole beans. Its flexibility also makes it a favored, inexpensive tool in floral design, where it is crumpled into a vase to support and arrange the stems of large floral displays without the need for visible foam or tape.