---
title: Chickens & Poultry - Build A Fence & Keep Them Safe & Secure
description: Mesh openings should be small enough to keep predators out and stop your birds from escaping. Vinyl coated and galv-after meshes will last the longest.
---

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# [Chickens & Poultry - Build A Fence & Keep Them Safe & Secure](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/9600/chickens-poultry-build-a-fence-keep-them-safe-secure)

 Written by [Duncan Page](https://www.louispage.com/blog/author/duncan-page) | July 14, 2009

**Outfoxing the Fox**

How do you keep your chickens and poultry safe from predators?

> **Answer:  Build a safe and secure fence.**

And what is most important factor to consider in determining the characteristics of the fence you use to enclose your run or pen?

> **Mesh openings should be small enough to both keep predators out and prevent your birds from escaping.**

What determines the height of the fence?

> - **Consider the variety and temperament of your birds.**
> - **Whether or not birds will free-range or always remain inside the pen**.
> - ****If you want to be able to stand up inside the pen. This is an important aspect as you will want to clean and maintain your pen from the inside.                                                                                        **** 
>     - ** **Depending on where you live, a heavy snowstorm will require shoveling out a walk **your hens.**

How do you prevent predators from going under the fence?

> 1. **Dig a trench and bury at least 12" of fence for a barrier, either vertical or angled to the outside.**
> 2. **Use an apron fence with the apron on the outside of the pen.**
> 3. **Lay a piece** **of fence mesh flat on the ground around the perimeter of the pen and attach it to the vertical piece.**

How can you keep predators from entering from the top of the pen? A secure top is very important.

> 1. **Use wire mesh to cover the tops of the pen - *be sure* to factor in possible snow load.**
> 2. **Secure the top with woven top netting or extruded plastic netting as a barrier.**

What kind of fence works well for the sides of chicken pens?

> 1. **Hex netting 1" mesh (aka chicken wire) - GAW (Galvanized After Weave) or vinyl coated meshes last longest.**
> 2. **Heavier gauge woven mesh with small openings at the bottom, such as Red Brand's Poultry and Garden fence.**
> 3. **Welded wire mesh with small openings.**

What type of mesh is most predator proof?

> **Wire meshes are stronger and more predator resistant than plastic or poly meshes.**

What type of wire meshes will last the longest?

> **Vinyl coated and galvanized after weld meshes will last longest.**

[View full post](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/9600/chickens-poultry-build-a-fence-keep-them-safe-secure)

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