Southern Wisconsin Times

Building a chicken wire fence can serve various purposes, from protecting gardens to ensuring the safety of chickens. This straightforward project requires basic tools and careful planning.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet provides a guide to constructing a robust chicken wire fence. They suggest using a wooden frame around the wire for added security against predators.

To start, gather necessary materials such as chicken wire, fence posts, poultry staples, framing lumber, nails, and essential tools like a tape measure and sledgehammer. Safety gloves are recommended to protect your hands during the process.

The first step involves measuring the intended area for your enclosure to determine the required amount of chicken wire and number of posts. The guideline suggests providing at least four square feet per chicken.

Next, mark the perimeter using spray paint or another marking tool to ensure straight lines. Fence posts should be driven six to eight inches into the ground with spacing between eight to ten feet for stability.

Preventing predators from digging under is crucial; therefore, dig a trench at least 12 inches deep around the perimeter. Place framing lumber in this trench and secure it with nails for reinforcement.

Aligning and securing the chicken wire follows next. Start by unrolling it along the perimeter while aligning its bottom edge snugly in the trench. Use poultry staples to attach it securely at various points on each post.

For additional strength, keep the wire taut by having an assistant help stretch it while you work section by section. Once secured, trim any excess material with wire cutters.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet advises against skipping trench installation or using thin wires as these can compromise security. Proper post spacing and depth are also emphasized for optimal stability.

Regular maintenance is recommended to extend the life of your fence by checking for damage or sagging wires periodically and addressing any issues promptly.

In conclusion, building a chicken wire fence over a weekend can yield effective results if planned carefully and constructed with quality materials following these guidelines from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.