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Best Wire For Chicken Run (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to keep your feathered friends contained, then you might want to consider setting up a chicken run. Creating a safe and secure space that accommodates your hens’ needs is important, and the wire you choose can make a huge difference. To help you make the best decision, you need to consider factors like durability, spacing, and cost.

Durability is a key consideration, as chicken wire that is too flimsy can quickly break or become damaged. You want to invest in a wire that can withstand scratching and chewing from your chickens. Spacing is another key factor, as the wire’s openings need to be small enough to prevent predators from entering while allowing enough air and light to circulate. Lastly, cost is also an important factor. Choose a wire that is both durable and within your budget.

Are you tired of your chickens roaming free and want to build them a safe and secure place to stay? Not sure which wire to buy that meets your needs? Whether you’re just starting or already have a chicken run, this article provides the perfect guide for you! Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase. Do you want to invest in a wire that is weather-resistant? Are you looking for a wire that can be easily installed or can be customized for your needs? What about the cost? Consider these questions and more to help you purchase the best wire for your chicken run!

10 Best Wire For Chicken Run

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for housing small animals such as chickens, rabbits, and ducks in an outdoor backyard enclosure.
2
Ideal for securing gardens and farms, keeping out rabbits, gophers, raccoons, and other critters.
3
Ideal for use as hardware cloth, chicken wire or rabbit fencing to cover chicken coops/run and/or cages.
4
Ideal for chicken coops, runs, cages, and vegetable gardens as well as home improvement projects that require strong fencing material.
5
The product is ideal for housing chickens in a portable and enclosed space with easy access to outdoor areas.
6
This product is ideal for farmers who need a large area to house chickens, ducks or rabbits in a secure outdoor coop.
7
Ideal for creating a sturdy barrier for various animals such as raccoons, rabbits, and chickens while still allowing for airflow.
8
This product is ideal for raising chickens and other poultry animals in a comfortable and secure environment.
9
The product is ideal for outdoor housing and exercise for poultry or other outdoor pets.
10
This product is ideal for creating cages, enclosures, fences or supports for plants, doors, windows, poultry, rabbits, and chickens.
The product is ideal for housing small animals such as chickens, rabbits, and ducks in an outdoor backyard enclosure.
Ideal for securing gardens and farms, keeping out rabbits, gophers, raccoons, and other critters.
Ideal for use as hardware cloth, chicken wire or rabbit fencing to cover chicken coops/run and/or cages.
Ideal for chicken coops, runs, cages, and vegetable gardens as well as home improvement projects that require strong fencing material.
The product is ideal for housing chickens in a portable and enclosed space with easy access to outdoor areas.
This product is ideal for farmers who need a large area to house chickens, ducks or rabbits in a secure outdoor coop.
Ideal for creating a sturdy barrier for various animals such as raccoons, rabbits, and chickens while still allowing for airflow.
This product is ideal for raising chickens and other poultry animals in a comfortable and secure environment.
The product is ideal for outdoor housing and exercise for poultry or other outdoor pets.
This product is ideal for creating cages, enclosures, fences or supports for plants, doors, windows, poultry, rabbits, and chickens.

1. Metal Hen House W/ Waterproof Cover

Provide a safe, comfortable and large space for your pets to run and play freely with this outdoor chicken coop. It is constructed with high-quality steel frame that is solid enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The epoxy coating finish provides resistance against rust, corrosion, and fading even in extreme climates, extending the lifespan of the pet playpen. The waterproof cover and steel roof frame fit perfectly on the exercise pen and enclosed ends provide full protection from sun, rain, and snow. The pet crate's roof pitch allows water, debris and light snow to run off, preventing accumulation. Setup is easy with simple assembly instructions that take only minutes. This pet playpen is a must-have for pet lovers who want to enjoy time off without wasting time on complicated assembly. Enjoy peace of mind with the 12-month warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee that comes with this product.

Give your pets the freedom to play without constant supervision with this spacious and secure outdoor chicken coop. The durable steel frame with anti-rust epoxy coating ensures that the pet playpen lasts for years, resisting rust, corrosion and fading even in extreme weather conditions. The waterproof cover and steel roof frame provide complete protection from sun, rain and snow, and the roof pitch allows for water, debris and snow to slide off easily. The assembly instructions are simple, making setup quick and easy. This pet playpen is ideal for pet owners who want to spend time with their pets without the hassle of assembly. Enjoy peace of mind with the 12-month warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee that comes with this product.

Create a safe and comfortable environment for your pets to play and run freely with this outdoor chicken coop. The high-quality steel frame with epoxy coating finish provides durability and resistance against rust, corrosion and fading in extreme climates. The waterproof cover and steel roof frame fit snugly on the exercise pen, providing full protection from sun, rain and snow. The roof pitch allows water, debris and snow to slide off easily, preventing accumulation. Assembly is quick and easy with simple instructions, allowing you to spend more time with your pets. This pet playpen is a must-have for pet lovers who want to enjoy time off without complicated assembly. Enjoy peace of mind with the 12-month warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee that comes with this product.

Pros

  • Provides a safe, comfortable and large space for pets to play and run freely
  • Constructed with high-quality steel frame that is solid enough to withstand regular use
  • Epoxy coating finish provides resistance against rust, corrosion and fading in extreme climates
  • Waterproof cover and steel roof frame provide complete protection from sun, rain and snow
  • Roof pitch allows water, debris and snow to slide off easily, preventing accumulation
  • Quick and easy assembly with simple instructions

Cons

  • – None

2. Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh For Critter Control.

This half inch hardware cloth is a versatile solution for keeping small critters such as voles, gophers, raccoons, etc. out of your property. The 1/2 inch openings are small enough to keep critters out and the chickens/rabbits safe. It is ideal for snake fences, chicken coops runs, opossum rehab cages, rabbit fencing, flower beds, wide gutters guard, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens. This hardware cloth is especially helpful in areas like Wisconsin, Colorado, where small baby copperhead snakes and rattle snakes come for damage seasonally.

To install, dig a shallow trench before installing to ensure the fence is partially underground for peace of mind. The material is galvanized and double zinc coated for maximum rust resistance and long life. It is also wider weave and not too stiff, making it easy to lay down and cut with wire cutter/scissors. This hardware cloth can be used to protect vegetables and flower roots, bulbs, rhizomes, etc. from tunneling animals. It can also be used to make individual baskets or line raised garden beds. Additionally, use this material to line the bottom of your chain link fence and cut it in half by leaving it in a roll with a hack saw; it is plenty stiff for what you want to use it for. This mesh solved issues with snakes, gophers, skunk, chipmunks, rabbits, and other creature pests living under your wooden deck.

Pros

  • Ideal for snake fences, chicken coops runs, opossum rehab cages, rabbit fencing, flower beds, wide gutters guard, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens
  • Double zinc coated for maximum rust resistance and long life
  • Wider weave and not too stiff, making it easy to lay down and cut with wire cutter/scissors
  • Can be used to make individual baskets or line raised garden beds
  • Effective solution for protecting your property from small critters such as voles, gophers, raccoons, etc.
  • Solves issues with snakes, gophers, skunk, chipmunks, rabbits, and other creature pests living under your wooden deck

Cons

  • – May not be effective against larger animals such as deer or coyotes

3. Nueve Deer Galvanized Chicken Wire: Ultimate Coop Protection

The Nueve Deer galvanized wire mesh is a durable and reliable product that is perfect for various applications. With a square opening of 1/4 inch x 1/4 inch and a size of 48 inch x 50 foot (1.22 m x 15.3 m), this mesh is made of galvanized black annealed steel wire material and is galvanized again after welding to provide superior anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties. The product is carefully packaged in cartons to ensure that it arrives in good condition without any torn edges.

Nueve Deer's hardware cloth has an impressively low defect rate. The product is manually rechecked four times to ensure that the bad welding rate is less than 0.0003%, the poor galvanized area rate is less than 0.1%, the broken wire rate is less than 0.05%, and the lost wire rate is less than 0.001%. Customers can rest assured that they are purchasing a quality product.

The sturdy structure of the Nueve Deer wire mesh is a result of strict process control during manufacturing. The company has increased the amount of weld area by 15% and the coverage of pure zinc by 10%, which may not seem like much, but it is crucial to the work progress.

Nueve Deer's galvanized wire mesh is suitable for various applications, including rodent wires, chicken coops/pens, critter fences, stucco meshes, raised garden beds, gopher barriers, snake fences, garden fences, soil sifters, tree trunk/bark protectors, and more. The product can work underground for many years without needing replacement.

Customers should keep in mind that the length and mesh size of the product are essential. Nueve Deer offers a wide range of sizes to suit various needs. Additionally, the company is a professional manufacturer of metal hardware cloth, providing high-quality products to millions of individuals, commercial and government agencies worldwide. Finally, customers should wear gloves when working with the mesh as it may have sharp edges.

Pros

  • Durable and reliable product with superior anti-corrosion and anti-rust properties
  • Impressively low defect rate with careful manual inspection
  • Sturdy structure resulting from strict process control during manufacturing
  • Suitable for various applications and can work underground for many years
  • Wide range of sizes available to suit various needs

Cons

  • – May have sharp edges, so customers should wear gloves when working with the mesh

4. Galvanized Mesh Fencing For Coop & Garden.

The heavy duty galvanized wire used in this hardware cloth ensures maximum durability and corrosion resistance, resulting in a long-lasting product that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The wider weave of the material allows it to conform to the shape of rolled tree guards for fruit trees without being too stiff. The galvanized wire is rustproof, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use. The 1/2 inch hardware cloth is designed to keep critters out, making it perfect for protecting your garden fruits and vegetables from rodent animals. The 1/2 inch openings are small enough to keep out Wisconsin, Colorado, Cal kings, small baby copperhead snakes, and rattlesnakes that can cause damage seasonally. For added security, it is recommended to dig a shallow trench before installation to partially bury the fence.

This hardware cloth has a variety of applications for various purposes, including use as fencing for flower beds, trees, vegetable gardens, and gutters. It is also ideal for making compost bins, chicken coops, and rabbit runs, and is effective at keeping out critters such as squirrels, rabbits, rats, hawks, raccoons, and skunks. The 1/2 inch holes in the wire mesh make it easy to use for a number of applications, and the flexible design of the hardware cloth makes it easy to install. Simply measure and cut the appropriate size for your project and nail it in place along all edges of the hardware cloth. Be sure to wear gloves during installation to avoid injury from the sharp edges after cutting.

This hardware cloth is made from 19 gauge, heavy duty hot dipped galvanized wire, with a double zinc coating for maximum rust resistance and long life. It can be easily cut with scissors and molded or folded as needed without any problems. The 1/2-inch mesh roll is flexible and tight enough to keep out larger ground crawling arachnids. The roll measures 3 ft. x 100 ft., providing ample coverage for a variety of projects.

Pros

  • Galvanized wire is rustproof and durable, making it ideal for outdoor use
  • Wider weave conforms to rolled tree guards without being too stiff
  • 1/2 inch openings keep out critters such as snakes, squirrels, rabbits, and rats
  • Flexible design makes it easy to install for a variety of applications
  • Double zinc coating provides maximum rust resistance and long life
  • Can be easily cut and molded/folded as needed

Cons

  • – May require digging a shallow trench for added security during installation

5. Pawhut 83” Wooden Portable Backyard Chicken Coop With Fenced Run And Wheels

Give your chickens a comfortable and safe place to roam with this Large Outdoor Run. The hen house is connected to a spacious fenced enclosure that provides ample room for your chickens to move around freely without worrying about predators. Measuring 82.25 inches in length, 35.5 inches in width, and 52.5 inches in height, this outdoor coop has a low footprint design that can easily fit into smaller spaces.

The coop is well-designed to accommodate your chickens' needs. It comes with a chicken nesting box with a hinged top that makes it easy to deposit and collect eggs. The inside of the coop has two perches where your chickens can rest during the day or night. The ramp allows quick access to the interior while the screened windows provide proper ventilation and airflow.

Cleaning and maintenance are made easy with the roof that opens to the inside. You can easily access the coop to keep it clean and tidy. This outdoor coop is perfect for those who want to own chickens but have limited space. It offers a comfortable and safe environment for your chickens to thrive.

Pros

  • Spacious fenced enclosure allows chickens to move freely
  • Compact, low footprint design fits into smaller spaces
  • Chicken nesting box with hinged top for easy egg collection
  • Two perches inside the coop for chickens to rest
  • Ramp for quick access to the interior
  • Screened windows provide proper ventilation and airflow
  • Roof that opens to the inside for easy cleaning and maintenance

6. Farm Fortress: Walk-In Poultry Coop & Run

Protect your poultry from harsh weather and predators with this durable and waterproof cover for outdoor use. The hen house features a sturdy steel frame and is covered with polyethylene tarp on top, which provides full coverage against rain, snow, and sun damage. The material is also resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity and durability for long-term use.

The large area of the chicken coop allows your poultry to move around and rest comfortably. It is not only suitable for chickens but also serves as a great home for ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, and other small animals. The versatility of this coop makes it easy to move around to different locations as needed.

The coop's frame is made of firm steel and PVC coated wire mesh, which ensures the safety of your poultry from fierce predators. The full galvanized tubes and anti-rust material provide more stability and security for the chicken run house, creating a clean living environment. The lockable door with a reinforced design ensures the security of the coop, preventing wild animals from entering and poultry from escaping.

This chicken run cage is easy to assemble with the snap-pin design. The instructions are simple, and any questions or issues can be addressed by the manufacturer's customer service team. The coop is also easy to clean, ensuring that your poultry is living in a hygienic environment.

Pros

  • Durable and waterproof cover protects poultry from harsh weather and predators
  • Large area allows for comfortable movement and rest for poultry and other small animals
  • Sturdy steel frame and PVC coated wire mesh ensure safety and longevity
  • Full galvanized tubes and anti-rust material provide stability and security
  • Lockable door with reinforced design ensures poultry safety
  • Easy to assemble and clean

7. Galvanized Welded Cage Wire – Ultimate Animal Barrier.

The Half Inch Hardware Cloth is a versatile product that can be used for various applications such as snake fences, opossum rehab cages, chicken coops, rabbit fencing, flower beds, gutter guards, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens to keep out small critters like voles, gophers, raccoons, and others. It is made of heavy-duty hot-dipped galvanized hardware cloth that provides double zinc coating for maximum rust resistance and long life. Measuring 48 inches by 100 feet, this cloth can be easily cut with scissors and molded or folded as needed without any issue.

The 1/2-inch mesh roll is flexible and tight enough to keep out larger ground-crawling arachnids. The production method used on this hardware cloth is galvanizing after welding to ensure that all welding points are galvanized to prevent rust, which increases its service life. The material is galvanized and very rust-proof, and the wider weave isn't too stiff, so the material will conform to rolled shapes like tree guards for fruit trees.

You can use this material to line the bottom of your chain-link fence and cut it in half by leaving it in a roll with a hacksaw; it is plenty stiff for what you want to use it for. This mesh solved issues with chipmunks, rabbits, and other pests living under your wooden deck.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty hot-dipped galvanized hardware cloth provides double zinc coating for maximum rust resistance and long life.
  • Flexible and tight enough to keep out larger ground-crawling arachnids.
  • Galvanizing after welding ensures that all welding points are galvanized to prevent rust, which increases its service life.
  • Can be easily cut with scissors and molded or folded as needed without any issue.
  • Wider weave isn't too stiff, so the material will conform to rolled shapes like tree guards for fruit trees.

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger animals like deer or coyotes.

8. Wooden Poultry House With Ramp And Fence.

This chicken coop comes in two separate packages, each containing an 80-inch coop. The coops can be used separately or joined to create a 160-inch coop. The coop is made of high-quality fir wood and is painted with waterproof and non-toxic paint to ensure durability and safety for your pets. The coop's fencing is designed to provide adequate ventilation while also protecting your pets from predators.

The chicken coop features a removable sliding tray at the bottom, making it easy to clean and maintain your pet's hygiene and safety. The main chicken house has a slant roof, sliding door, and ramp design, making it easy for your chickens to access. This chicken coop is an ideal combination of running and living areas, making it perfect for small animals such as rabbits, chicks, guinea pigs, ducks, and hedgehogs.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality fir wood
  • Painted with waterproof and non-toxic paint
  • Features removable sliding tray for easy cleaning
  • Designed with slant roof, sliding door, and ramp for easy access

Cons

  • – Assembly required

9. Jovno Walk-In Chicken Run With Cover

The Safety Lockable Steel Chicken Coop is a perfect home for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, ducks, and other poultry. It measures 118"L x 118" W x 79" H and is designed with a number of essential pedestals to make it a safe and comfortable place for your pets.

The coop comes with a lockable steel door with a latch and steel wire ties for extra safety. You can easily feed your chickens and clean the inside. It also has a resting room and running area where your pets can play freely.

The chicken coop has a specific roof that uses the original wood-making process for the main door of the living room. The attached run opens from above for easy access. The asphalt sloping roof protects the coop from water penetration, and your pets can get more sunlight when the weather is clear.

The wall of the chicken coop is made of PVC coated hexagonal wire mesh that is solid and durable, preventing your pets from some predators. The small gaps between meshes add safety to your chickens.

If you have any questions about the chicken coop, the professional customer service team will provide you with solutions within 24 hours. Please note that due to the difference between the light and the screen pixels, there may be a little chromatic aberration, which is normal. Everything is subject to the real thing.

Pros

  • Lockable steel door and wire ties for extra safety
  • Suitable for a variety of small animals
  • Designed with essential pedestals for a safe and comfortable environment
  • Resting room and running area for pets to play freely
  • Specific roof design for protection and sunlight
  • PVC coated hexagonal wire mesh for durability and safety
  • Professional customer service team

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger animals

10. Galvanized Cage Wire For Poultry And Plants.

The Heavy Duty Galvanized Hardware Cloth is an essential tool for any homeowner or property manager. It is made from 19-gauge hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh, which is easy to cut and shape for specific projects. The galvanization process ensures that all welding points are coated, preventing rusting and increasing the product's service life.

This hardware cloth is 48 inches wide and 100 feet long, providing ample material for various projects. It can be easily cut with scissors and molded or folded as needed, making it a versatile tool for any project.

The 1/2" galvanized hardware cloth is perfect for enclosure projects, providing a large space for home improvement projects. It can also be used in engineering projects, working with T-posts and wooden boxes to generate large spaces in projects or big airport engineering.

Pros

  • Made from heavy-duty hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh
  • Galvanization process prevents rusting and increases the product's service life
  • Easy to cut and shape for specific projects
  • Can be molded or folded as needed
  • Suitable for both enclosure and engineering projects

Best Wire For Chicken Run FAQs

Can chicken wire be used for a chicken run or is a stronger wire recommended?

Yes, chicken wire can be used for a chicken run, but it may not be the most suitable option if you want to ensure the safety of your chickens. Chicken wire is made of thin and lightweight wire that is designed to keep chickens inside a run while preventing them from escaping. However, it may not be strong enough to keep predators out, such as foxes, raccoons, or coyotes, who can easily chew through the wire and harm or kill your birds.

To ensure the safety of your chickens, it is recommended to use a stronger wire, such as hardware cloth, which is made of thicker and more durable wire. Hardware cloth is more expensive than chicken wire, but it provides better protection against predators and lasts longer. It is also important to secure the wire properly and make sure there are no gaps or holes where predators can enter.

In summary, while chicken wire can be used for a chicken run, it may not provide adequate protection against predators. Using a stronger wire like hardware cloth is recommended for keeping your chickens safe and secure.

How much wire is needed for a chicken run of a certain size?

The amount of wire needed for a chicken run depends on the size of the run and the type of wire you choose to use. If you are building a chicken run from scratch, it's important to plan the size of the run before purchasing materials. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 square feet of space per chicken. For example, if you have 6 chickens, you'll need a run that's at least 60 square feet.

When it comes to choosing wire, you'll want to consider the strength and durability of the material. Many chicken owners use welded wire mesh with 1-inch openings, which is strong enough to keep chickens in and predators out. The amount of wire needed will depend on the perimeter of the run, so be sure to measure carefully and add a little extra to account for any overlaps or gaps.

In general, it's better to buy a little more wire than you think you'll need, as it's always easier to have too much rather than too little. Remember to factor in the cost of posts and other materials needed to build the frame of the run as well.

Is there a specific gauge of wire that is recommended for a chicken run?

Yes, there is a specific gauge of wire that is recommended for a chicken run. The most commonly used wire for chicken runs is welded wire mesh with a gauge of 16 or 19. This type of wire is strong enough to keep predators out, but also allows for proper ventilation and sunlight. It is important to choose a wire mesh that is galvanized or coated with PVC to prevent rust and corrosion. Additionally, the spacing between the wires should be no larger than 1 inch to prevent predators from squeezing through. It is also recommended to bury the wire at least 6 inches underground and extend it outwards to prevent digging animals from getting in. Overall, choosing the right wire for your chicken run is crucial for the safety and well-being of your birds.

Should the wire for a chicken run be buried to prevent predators from digging under?

Yes, it is advisable to bury the wire of a chicken run to prevent predators from digging under. Predators such as foxes, raccoons, and even domestic dogs can easily dig under the wire to gain access to the chicken run. Burying the wire will prevent them from digging under and keep your chickens safe.

To bury the wire, you should dig a trench around the perimeter of the chicken run about 1-2 feet deep. The wire should be buried in the trench and then covered with soil. It is important to ensure that the wire is buried deep enough to prevent predators from digging under it.

In addition to burying the wire, it is also important to ensure that the chicken run is secure and has no gaps or holes that predators can enter through. Regular checks should be carried out to ensure that the wire is intact and there are no weak spots that predators can exploit.

Overall, burying the wire of a chicken run is an effective way to prevent predators from digging under and keeping your chickens safe.

What type of wire is best for a chicken run?

When it comes to building a chicken run, choosing the right type of wire is crucial to ensure the safety and security of your chickens. The best wire for a chicken run is typically hardware cloth. This is a type of wire mesh that is made from galvanized steel and is tightly woven to prevent predators from getting through. Hardware cloth is also durable and long-lasting, making it a great choice for outdoor use. It is important to choose a wire with a small enough mesh size to prevent smaller predators such as rats and snakes from entering the chicken run. A mesh size of 1/2 inch or smaller is recommended. It is also important to ensure that the wire is securely fastened to the chicken run frame to prevent any gaps or weak points. By choosing the right wire for your chicken run, you can provide a safe and secure environment for your feathered friends.

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