The Fence Post

Uncomplicated, Effective 

A video to inspire you to make your own homemade lighting display.

Planning some projects as the holidays approach?  Thinking about what type of fence or mesh to use?

Cages - for rabbits and other small animals

• 16 gauge, 1/2" x 1" mesh - use Galvanized After Weld (GAW) for the bottom of cages
• 14 gauge, 1" x 2" mesh - use Galvanized Before Weld (GBW) for the top and sides of cages.

• Hexagonal mesh netting, also known as poultry fence
• Flexible - easy to work with and cut into shapes
• Galvanized - 1/2", 1" and 2" meshes
• Black vinyl coated - 1" mesh                                                                                                  
• Small mesh hardware cloth
• 1/2" x 1/2" and 1/4" x 1/4" meshes
• galvanized and vinyl coated

• Protect your shrubs and plantings
• Heavy duty protection with woven galvanized deer and wildlife fence - height up to 10'
• Black vinyl coated 1" hexagonal netting blends into background - up to 7' height
• Unobtrusive, 7-1/2' light weight black extruded plastic 2" x 1-3/4" mesh deer fencing

Bird Cages

• Galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh
• 1/2" hexagonal mesh
• Galvanized After Weave (GAW)
• Excellent cage mesh for canaries and other small birds
• 48" x 25', 50' and 150' rolls

Dog Kennel Flooring

• 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" mesh
• Heavy 12.5 gauge GAW core wire
• Thick black or green PVC coating
• 36" and 48" x 25' rolls are available (green only)

• Excellent tool and fastener for building cages and other projects
• Connects and secures pieces of mesh

Of course, these items can be used year round as well.

Can you think of additional items?

Are there more uses for the products listed here?

Which Fence for Which Animal Out?

• The National Gardening Association Editors report that, on a long term basis, fencing is the best way to keep domestic and wild animals out of your garden. They offer the following suggestions and tips:
• Fences are most effective when the animal can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings of your garden. 
• Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences, but they will not give protection from all animals.
• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are not likely to test the fence more than once.

A tall fence is necessary. A mesh, solid or an electric fence can be effective. There are many design options available. Be sure to anchor the fence to the ground. Deer will also go under a fence if given the option.                                                                                                                                    
Cats and dogs

Build a 3-foot high wire fence - buy a 5-foot roll and bend 24" at the bottom of the fence to the outside of the garden to form an apron. This will discourage digging.

Rabbits  

A 2-foot high chicken wire fence with 1" hexagonal mesh openings is recommended. Buy a 3-foot high roll and bend a 12" apron of the fence mesh to the outside of the garden. Bury it several inches deep to prevent digging.

Woodchucks                                                                                       

A 4-foot high fence with a 24" buried apron works well. They suggest leaving the top 18" of the fence unattached to posts. This will challenge the animals' climbing ability. You can also string an electrified wire along the top. Placing electric fencing a few inches outside the other fence is even more effective. To protect prized plants from these tunneling pests, bury a protective wire mesh basket two to three feet underground. 

Raccoons & Opossums 

You need fencing that provides an underground barrier and is difficult to climb. Use a 60" to 72" fence. Bury a 24" horizontal apron several inches underground on the outside of your garden. Leave the top 18" of the 36" or 48" high fence unattached. This will bend over as the animal climbs, preventing it from getting over the top. If you have difficulty finding 60" or 72" high fence, the apron and vertical parts can be two different rolls. Be sure to fasten the two edges together with hog rings or tie wire. For further security, electric fence wire can be run along the top. Spreading light weight netting on the ground around your garden may discourage these animals from approaching the fence.                                                                                                       
Coyotes 

An electric fence in combination with a strong 48" fence mesh, such as sheep and goat fence, works well. Place one electrified wire 8" off the ground, 6" to 18"away from the mesh fence. An additional wire strung along the top of the fence will discourage jumping.                                         

Bears 

They can be discouraged from entering an area by using electric fence. Bait, such as bacon strips or pork rind, should be attached to the wires. Bears will approach the bait, touch it with a wet nose or tongue and learn the characteristics of the fence. They will want to avoid it in the future. If the fence is not baited, a bear is likely to crash through the fence, paying no more attention to the shock than it would a bee sting. A 36" to 48" roll of chicken wire secured to the ground with ground staples can also be used as an effective barrier. Be sure to keep the area mowed.

Do the solutions the editors suggest sound good to you?

Do you have other suggestions to share based on your own experience?

Fences are most effective when animals can't see what the fence protects - food. A solid fence will block their view of the delectable offerings from your garden. 
Polypropylene fences are less visible than solid fences. But they will not give protection from all animals.

• Electric fences will not block your view of the garden. They can be more effective than solid fences, especially if the would-be poachers know the wires are hot. Animals are unlikely to test the fence more than once.                 

• Be certain to check your local ordinances before installing a fence.

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.

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