6 FAQs Homeowners & DIYers Have About Chicken Wire

Person building raised bed garden with chicken wire mesh

6 FAQs Homeowners & DIYers Have About Chicken Wire

Chicken wire (also known as hex mesh) is traditionally fabricated from relatively thin steel wires. It's woven with large, hexagonal openings, typically at least an inch in diameter. As its name suggests, this type of metal mesh is often used for fencing in chickens, but that's far from its only purpose.

Homeowners and DIYers worldwide rely on chicken wire mesh for a broad range of residential applications—from gardening and agriculture to pet safety and pest control. Find answers to frequently asked questions about hex mesh below.

1) Is Chicken Wire Good for a Garden?

Chicken wire hex mesh covering a garden

Not only is chicken wire suitable for gardening, but it's actually one of the best materials for fencing and pest control. This type of mesh can even help plants grow when used to create cloches, planter walls, trellises, tree guards, and garden arches.

Stainless steel, in particular, is a favorite among green thumbs. The inherently durable material is sturdy enough for garden fences and small greenhouses. It's also an eco-friendly, cruelty-free solution for keeping moles, mice, voles, snakes, gophers, and birds of prey from creeping, burrowing, slithering, or swooping into your crops.

2) What Is the Best Wire Mesh for Chicken Coops?

Black chicken in a hex mesh chicken coop

While the name can be misleading, standard chicken wire isn't actually the best option for chicken coops and runs. Coyotes, skunks, weasels, foxes, and snakes are stronger and savvier than you may think, so you'll want something a bit more robust.

Your best bet is heavy-duty hardware cloth, a type of plain-weave metal mesh made of thick wires with relatively small openings no greater than about a half-inch. It's not as malleable as traditional poultry netting, and is more resistant to bends, rips, tears, and manipulation. Put another way, diggers and creepy crawlers are no match for the incredibly sturdy material.

3) Is Chicken Wire Galvanized?

Chicken wire isn't always galvanized, but it can be. The stainless steel hardware cloth mentioned above is often welded into a rigid grid, then galvanized in molten zinc. This creates an ultra-resilient alloy coating, offering enhanced weather resistance and elevated strength.

4) How Long Does Chicken Wire Mesh Last Outside?

Brown horse standing next to chicken wire mesh gate

Regular poultry netting can last up to five years. However, it's more prone to corrosion and rust in moisture-rich soil and wet climates. Galvanized hardware cloth, on the other hand, can last as long as 20 years. The all-weather wire mesh sheets are exceedingly durable and resistant to extreme outdoor conditions.

5) Is Chicken Wire Rust-Proof?

Stainless steel chicken wire is inherently rust-resistant. When exposed to oxygen, the metal forms an invisible coating known as chromium oxide. However, the protective film can become damaged if exposed to high humidity or salinity, which can wear it down and eventually lead to rust.

Galvanized wire mesh products boast more rust resistance than plain stainless steel. The zinc-steel alloy acts as a shield, safeguarding the material from environmental corrosion, abrasion, and weather damage.

6) Is Chicken Wire Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Dog next to chicken wire mesh fence

If you have fur babies at home, you might be wondering if chicken wire is a safe material to create outdoor kennels, dog runs, or catios. Generally speaking, hex mesh is safe for pets. Having said that, everyday poultry netting may not be ideal for the same reason it's not the best option for chicken coops.

Since chicken wire is flexible, curious pets might be able to make their way through it. When the metal wires tear, it could pose a risk of pokes and scratches. For this reason, pet parents often opt for a sturdier product with thicker wires and smaller openings, like square-weave hardware cloth.

Chicken Wire Mesh Materials for Gardening, DIY & More

TWP Inc. has been a leading supplier of residential and commercial wire mesh since 1969. Our woman-owned company proudly serves homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers all over the globe, offering affordable, customizable solutions for various residential needs.

With the right wire mesh or hardware cloth, you can have peace of mind knowing your flock is secure, your pets are safe, and your garden is protected. TWP Inc. has all the materials you need for your next outdoor DIY project.

We carry industrial-grade products in myriad weaves, sizes, and finishes and can even provide custom shapes and quantities. Order yours today, or get in touch with us with questions about our offerings.

Want to see your DIY project featured in TWP Inc.'s online gallery? Upload pictures to Instagram using the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.