Gardens and landscape beds are often damaged by foraging rabbits. Effective exclusion requires a physical barrier using correct dimensions and materials that account for the rabbit’s size, jumping ability, and tendency to burrow. Success depends on the wire mesh characteristics and proper installation, especially deep into the soil, as low or loosely-woven barriers are easily breached.
Essential Fence Material and Mesh Size
The fence material must be strong enough to resist chewing and securely woven to prevent entry by young rabbits. Galvanized steel wire is the standard choice due to its durability and resistance to rust. While some netting uses a 1.25-inch hexagonal mesh, this size allows baby rabbits, or kits, to push through.
To ensure complete exclusion, the mesh opening should be 1 inch square or smaller. Hardware cloth with 1/2-inch square openings provides the highest security against all sizes of rabbits and small rodents. For long-term integrity, 19-gauge (1mm) wire is standard, but 18-gauge (1.2mm) provides a stronger barrier.
Required Above-Ground Fence Height
Rabbits are agile and can jump higher than anticipated when motivated by food. The minimum above-ground height should be 24 inches (2 feet) to deter most common species, such as cottontail rabbits. For areas with jackrabbits, which are superior jumpers, a height of 36 inches (3 feet) is necessary.
Maintaining a consistent height across the perimeter is important, as rabbits test the fence for weak points. A height of 2 to 3 feet is generally sufficient, as rabbits usually prefer to go through or under a barrier rather than attempt a difficult jump.
Preventing Digging: Underground Depth and Aprons
A rabbit fence will fail if its subterranean requirements are not met, as burrowing under the barrier is the most common entry method. The fence material must extend below the soil line to prevent rabbits from simply digging to gain access.
Vertical Burial
One method is to bury the wire vertically at least 6 inches deep, ensuring the bottom is flush with the trench floor to prevent gaps.
L-Shaped Apron Method
A more secure technique is the L-shaped apron method, which uses the rabbit’s digging behavior against it. This involves burying the wire vertically about 6 inches deep and then bending the bottom 12 inches outward, away from the protected area, creating a horizontal flap. When a rabbit attempts to dig at the fence line, it encounters the horizontal mesh, discouraging further burrowing. The outward-facing apron should be covered with soil or turf and secured with landscape pegs to keep it flush and immovable.
Structural Considerations for Installation
The mesh dimensions and burial depth rely on a robust support structure to maintain tension and prevent sagging. Fence posts, made of durable wood or metal T-posts, should be spaced approximately 6 to 8 feet apart along the perimeter. Shorter spacing helps maintain a taut wire line and prevents rabbits from pushing the mesh inward.
The wire mesh must be tightly affixed to the posts from top to bottom using staples or wire clips to eliminate openings. For long fence runs, horizontal line wires can be attached to the mesh to provide additional structural support and tension. Any gate must adhere to the same specifications as the fence, fitting tightly and extending the required depth underground to maintain barrier continuity.