The Fence Post

 

Maintaining the Safety of your Chickens, Rabbits, Canaries, Ferrets and other Small Animals

Animals come in all shapes and sizes. So do the welded and woven wire fences and meshes used to enclose them. The kind of mesh you use makes a difference. The following recommendations can help you make the right choice.

Poultry: Your Pen Predator-proofed

Hexagonal netting, also known as hex net and chicken wire, is the ideal product to use. This fence is available in these finishes:

• GBW (galvanized before - 20 gauge)
• GAW (galvanized after - heavier 18 gauge), and black
• VC (vinyl coated - 20 gauge "core" wire) 

VC and GAW meshes are thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion and last the longest. Rolls are 150' long and come in 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" 72", 84" and 90" widths. The 1" hex opening makes a secure and predator-proof fence for your birds. The black vinyl coating is virtually invisible from a distance so you can easily see them.

And for Canaries

Canary cages can be built using 1/2" hexagonal woven netting. This lightweight 23 gauge GAW woven mesh is the recommended product to use. Rolls available are 48" wide and 25', 50' and 150' long. Small 1/2" mesh keeps the birds safe. The thin wire mesh lets you see the birds.

Rabbits, Ferrets, and Other Small Animals

Welded wire meshes are used to make rabbit cages and hutches. 16 gauge, 1/2" x 1" is the ideal mesh size to use for flooring. Widths available - 12", 15", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72". GAW finish is recommended due to its ability to stand up to the corrosive effects of rabbit urine. 14 gauge, 1" x 2" mesh is the perfect size for the sides and top. GBW wire can be used for these panels. These products will keep your rabbits and other small animals safe and secure.

Other meshes are also available that can be used to make cages and pens for larger animals such as:

• Apron fence for beagle training pens
• Woven diamond mesh and 2" x 4" mesh for horses
• Woven deer and wildlife fence

Fences and meshes are available for any type of animal enclosure.

 

Which One Shall I Choose?

There are many different wire fence products available from which to choose. And it can be difficult to know which one to buy. One of the decisions you will need to make is whether you want a galvanized fence or a mesh that is vinyl coated.

Some differences between galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh and fence?

Galvanized fences and meshes are either welded or woven. There are Galvanized Before Weld or Weave (GBW) and Galvanized After Weld or Weave (GAW) meshes. The difference between these two types is explained in our blog "Galvanized Before vs Galvanized After Mesh & Fence". The most common and most readily available fence meshes are GBW. These are the commodity meshes sold by all the big box stores. GAW products are:

• harder to find
• they are higher quality
• more expensive 
• they will last years longer

Both share the same characteristic of having a galvanized finish. But GAW meshes are far superior.

Vinyl Coated (VC) fences are also available in either welded or woven meshes. They are different from galvanized products because they have a double layer of protection from rust and corrosion - vinyl coating over previously galvanized wire. This gives these meshes an even longer life. The highest quality and longest lasting products with the best rust protection are those that feature vinyl coating on top of GAW wire. These are the meshes used in such things as lobster pots and crawfish traps.

Why are vinyl coated meshes more expensive?

The cost of the vinyl applied to the wire adds to the cost of the final product. Additional handling and processing during the manufacturing process also add to the cost.

And vinyl coated fence, is it really worth the extra expense?                                                              Meshes and fences that have been vinyl coated have the longest lifetime due to the extra protection they have against rust and corrosion.

 

What about how it looks?

They are also more aesthetically pleasing. The black and green color stand out less than the brighter galvanized finish. In fact, black mesh tends to disappear into the background, becoming virtually invisible. You can see whatever is on the other side of the fence more clearly.

It is also important to remember that although the initial cost of a vinyl coated fence is higher, it may ultimately be less expensive. Don't forget the cost and aggravation of needing to replace a product with a shorter lifetime.

The choice between galvanized and vinyl coated fence

Think about how long you want the fence to last. How frequently will you want to replace it? If you want a fence that will last a long time and maintain its nice appearance, go with the vinyl coated mesh. If you only need the fence to last a few years, use a GBW mesh.

Again, consider aesthetics--

Think about how you want the fence to look. If the fence will be in a prominent place and you want it to look attractive, use a vinyl coated mesh. If the fence will be less visible and you don't mind a utilitarian appearance, use a GBW mesh. You can also use a GAW mesh if you want the fence to last longer.

And if you need further clarification, please don't hesitate to call us and ask questions--(866) 328-5018

 

Here's an Aussie instructional video showing you how to install a wood post and rail fence down under. Watch the video and learn how to avoid making common mistakes. You can attach welded wire mesh fence to this type of wood fence. The vinyl coated wire is both attractive and long-lasting. Smaller openings can keep small children and pets in your yard.

 

 

 

 

Keeping your pens safe--

Are you raising game birds, poultry or other birds as a business or a hobby? Then you want to make sure your birds are protected with a good netting for the tops of your flight pens.

Known variously as flight pen top netting, top rite netting, aviary netting and game bird netting, these woven and knotted products provide both the protection your birds need and the peace of mind you get from knowing your birds are safe.

This Strong Top Netting:

• is lightweight
• easy to work with and install
• can be fastened together and repaired with hog rings, safety ties or lacing cord
• large pieces are available for your convenience 
• no need to piece together smaller sizes in order to cover a large area
• will not rust
• resistant to mildew
• UV stabilized for protection from the sun
• flexible to prevent injury to your birds
• acts as a physical barrier to both keep your birds inside the pen and protect them from predators

Woven - Flight Pen Top Netting 

These are the netting products most commonly used. They are woven from multiple strands of black, UV stabilized polypropylene.

• Mesh sizes available: 1/2", 1", 1-1/2" and 2" hexagonal openings. 

• Weights available (based on tensile strengths): Light , Medium and Heavy.

• Widths available: 6', 6-1/2', 12', 12-1/2', 25', 50' and 100'.

• Lengths available: 50', 100'' and 150'

Knotted - Flight Pen Top Netting

These products are the strongest and heaviest nettings available. Strands of polyethylene cord are knotted in a diamond mesh pattern.

• Mesh sizes available: 1" and 2"

• Weight available: Extra Heavy

• Widths available: 26' and 52'

• Length available: 155'

With so many sizes to choose from, you can be sure that there is a flight pen top netting product that will work for you.