The Fence Post

Helping the Turtles Migrate                                                           Arkansas DOT photo                                                    

Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.

What is it?

• A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area
• Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway

It's important because...?

• To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways
• To save lives
• To protect and preserve endangered species

The Details

• Welded or woven wire fence with a ½" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal
• 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient
• Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence
• 24" to 36" height depending on species

A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?

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.

Hex Netting with a Variety of Applications

Hex netting, chicken wire, hexagonal mesh - these are some of the names given to this widely used and versatile mesh and fence. There are three types of hex netting available: Galvanized Before Weave (GBW), Galvanized After Weave (GAW) and vinyl coated (VC). Scroll down for a variety of applications.

GBW   (Galvanized Before Weld)

The most common type of hex netting available. These utility meshes are economical and have many uses. Standard size rolls are 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72" widths. The netting is woven from 20 gauge galvanized wire into 1" and 2" hexagonal meshes. There is also a 1-1/2" hex mesh woven from heavy 17 gauge galvanized wire that is available in 60" and 72" widths. These rolls are known as Apron Fence. They feature a 12" apron at the bottom of each roll which can be placed on the surface of the ground to prevent animals from digging under the fence.

GAW    (Galvanized After Weld)

Hex netting chicken wire mesh and fence have been dipped in a bath of molten zinc after the weaving process. This gives them excellent protection from rust and corrosion.

• They are so rugged that they have been named "Salt Water Netting" by the mill

GAW meshes will last for many years before they need to be replaced. The rolls can be made with both 20 gauge and 18 gauge wires in 1" hexagonal mesh, 24", 36", 48" and 72" widths.

• There also is a very strong and heavy 16 gauge 1" mesh available in 72" x 180' rolls--this specification is used often as screening for paddle tennis courts

VC  (Vinyl Coated)

Vinyl coated meshes are covered by a thick coating of black PVC and have a significantly longer life than GBW meshes. After the galvanized 20 gauge wire is woven, the resulting mesh is passed through a coating process that bonds the black vinyl tightly to the wires.

• The PVC will not crack or separate from the wire when the wire is bent
• UV inhibitors stands up to exposure from the sun
• Maintains its characteristics over a wide temperature range

Standard widths in 150' rolls are 12", 18", 24", 36", 48", 60" and 72". Special 90" x 100' rolls are available and can be used effectively as deer fence. The 17 gauge 1-1/2" hex netting Apron Fence is also available with a black vinyl coating. The black color makes the fence nearly invisible when installed.

Some of the uses for hex netting chicken wire mesh and fence include:

• framework for sculpture and float decorations
• chicken runs and poultry houses
• game bird flight pens
• stucco netting
• garden fencing
• trellis for climbing plants & flowers 
• window guards
• exclusion barriers for birds
• tree and shrub protection
• hold insulation in place
• craft projects
• as a backing mesh for post and rail fence

GBW fence and mesh are made from strands of galvanized wire. The wires used can be any gauge. After being drawn down to the final diameter, the wire is galvanized - coated with zinc. The wires are then welded or woven together. During the welding process the protective layer of zinc is burnt off. This leaves the wire unprotected at the welded joint where the wires cross. When the wires are woven, the galvanizing is not affected. However in the meshes that are tightly woven with several twists, such as hex netting chicken wire fence, the woven area where the wires intersect is a vulnerable area.

When GBW meshes and fencing are used outside and exposed to the elements, rain or any corrosive liquid will collect at these vulnerable spots. Rust and corrosion will start to eat at the wire, weakening the mesh and fence, limiting its lifetime. There is a wide variety of mesh opening sizes made. Some fences with the same openings are available in a variety of gauges.

GBW fences and mesh features -

• economical

• limited lifetime, unless used inside or in other protected locations

• heavier gauge outlasts lighter gauge - 12-1/2 gauge lasts longer than 14 gauge

• available in a wide variety of gauge and mesh combinations

• temporary fence

• concrete reinforcement

• indoor storage area partitions                                                                                                                                

Galvanized After Weld (or weave)

GAW mesh and fencing will last a long time. After the wires are either welded or woven into a mesh, the entire finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The GAW mesh emerges with a thick coating tightly bonded to the wire. Each strand of wire is protected. More importantly, each vulnerable welded or woven area is thoroughly sealed.

GAW fences and mesh are ideal for use in any area where exposure to water and other corrosive substances will be expected. The extra zinc of the galvanized after mesh and fence guarantees a longer lifetime than galvanized before products. Meshes and fence are more costly than galvanized before. GAW specifications are available in a wide selection of gauges and mesh opening sizes.

GAW fences and mesh features -

• long lifetime - resistant to rust and corrosion                                                                                                         
• wires and welded or woven spots are thoroughly galvanized                                                                              
• available in different gauges and mesh sizes                                                                                                         
• salt water use                                                                                                                                                             
• small animal cages                                                                                                                                                      
• greenhouse benches                                                                                                                                                  
• in-ground wire for groundhog barriers and bird pens