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No matter the size of your flock, poultry netting is always a must. It helps keep your chickens safe by keeping them in your backyard and keeping predators out. However, finding the right kind of poultry netting can be tricky. You don’t want a kind that your chickens or predators will chew through. You also don’t want a kind that can be easily jumped over or dismantled.
Here we’ll help you buy the right poultry netting so that you can keep your backyard chickens safe:
Why You Need Poultry Netting
Many backyard chicken owners believe that their ordinary fence is enough. But this is a mistake. Chickens can still squeeze through fences, as can predators. If you want to keep your chickens safe, you’ll need poultry netting to keep them in and to keep predators out.
Nevertheless, not just any poultry netting will do. Foxes and coyotes can jump over a five-foot fence, while raccoons can easily take apart simple locks. Before buying your poultry netting, do some research on common predators in your area and then buy your poultry netting accordingly.
Types of Poultry Netting
There are several types of poultry netting for you to choose from. Some are better than others, and you should choose them based on your specific needs.
Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is the most commonly used type of poultry netting. It’s relatively inexpensive, and it is adept at keeping your chickens inside your backyard. However, it does not keep out predators very well. You should only use chicken wire if there are not many predators in your area, or if you just want to section off one area. Additionally, chicken wire should not be used for chickens that tend to fly off, as it can only get up to 2-4 feet high.
Hardware Mesh
Hardware mesh is long-lasting and can effectively keep out predators. However, it is expensive, so it may not be the best choice if you don’t have money to spare. Hardware mesh can also be difficult to install, as it’s not flexible and you need to install it about 6-12 inches below the surface to keep out diggers. But keep in mind that all that work will be worth it in the end.
Plastic Poultry Netting
There is a wide variety of plastic poultry netting for you to choose from, but don’t expect it to keep your chickens safe from predators. Predators can easily get through plastic, though it is effective at safeguarding your chickens from flying predators. This kind of poultry netting is best used to keep your chickens away from other areas of your backyard, such as your garden or flower beds.
Chain Link Fencing
A chain link fence is tough and long-lasting. It will keep out almost any predator, and your chickens won’t be able to chew through it. Similar to hardware mesh, it can be difficult to install, but it’s worth it in the long run. Another benefit is that it is relatively inexpensive—a perfect choice if you want the protection of hardware mesh without having to pay the price.
For further questions on how to protect your chickens with poultry netting, contact us at Chickens for Backyards today!
