Coops & runs
Welded mesh vs chicken wire: what to use for UK chicken runs
Chicken wire is designed to keep chickens in. It is not designed to keep determined predators out. Here’s how to choose the right material (and fix it properly).
Brutal truth: “We’ve been fine for years” is not evidence. It’s just been your turn not to be tested.
Predator-proofing
Mesh specs
Fixings
Budget priorities
What each material is for
| Material | Good for | Not good for |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wire | Keeping chickens in (short-term) | Predators that bite, pull, or dig |
| Welded mesh | Predator resistance, long-term structure | Nothing important (except it costs more) |
| Netting | Wild birds (overhead), shade cloth | Fox-proofing (not even close) |
If you’re spending money anywhere, spend it here. This is literally the wall between “hobby” and “loss”.
What to look for when buying welded mesh
- Thicker wire resists bending and chewing.
- Smaller holes reduce reach-through (especially around chicks).
- Galvanised after welding tends to resist rust better than light coatings.
Practical approach: use heavier mesh where predators can reach (doors, low panels, corners). You can often use larger-aperture mesh higher up if budget is tight — but don’t skimp at ground level.
Fixing the mesh matters as much as the mesh
People buy good mesh then attach it like a picture frame. Predators exploit the weak fixings.
Use screws + washers
Washers spread the load so mesh can’t tear free.
Sandwich with battens
A timber strip over the mesh edge makes it much harder to pull.
Brace the frame
If the run twists, doors stop closing and gaps appear.
Common mistake: stapling mesh to the outside of a weak frame. It looks neat, but it’s not secure.
Want the full predator checklist? Read how to fox-proof a run.
Where chicken wire can still be useful
- temporary “in‑garden” fencing (supervised time)
- internal partitions to separate hens (not predator-facing)
- short-term DIY experiments while you build properly
But: don’t call it “fox-proof”. It’s not.
Next step: decide your run build
Once you commit to welded mesh, the next decision is the run structure: walk‑in, attached run, or modular panels.