Mythbusting: Why It's Called Chicken Wire

If you’ve ever stepped into a hardware store, chances are you’ve seen rolls of hexagonal fencing marketed as “chicken wire.” The name suggests it’s the perfect material for building a secure chicken coop. After all, it must be designed for chickens—right?

Not exactly. Let’s bust the myth that chicken wire is the best choice for protecting your flock.

Why People Think It Works

The term “chicken wire” has been around for over a century, and the lightweight, flexible fencing is inexpensive and easy to work with. For generations, it’s been associated with poultry yards, which makes it feel like the obvious go-to for backyard chicken keepers.

The Reality About Chicken Wire

• It Keeps Chickens In: Chicken wire is fine for creating a barrier to prevent hens from wandering into your garden or scratching up flower beds.
• It Does NOT Keep Predators Out: Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, dogs, and even large rats can rip through chicken wire with ease. For determined predators, it’s about as useful as tissue paper.
• Weak Against Weather: Over time, chicken wire rusts, bends, and weakens, leaving even bigger vulnerabilities in your setup.

What to Use Instead

If your goal is true flock safety, sturdier materials are the way to go:

• Hardware Cloth (¼” or ½”): This welded wire mesh is the gold standard for predator-proofing coops and runs.
• Welded Wire Fencing: Stronger and thicker than chicken wire, it stands up to both teeth and claws.
• Electric Poultry Netting: Great for rotational grazing or mobile coops, adding an extra layer of deterrence.

The Takeaway

The phrase “that’s why it’s called chicken wire” may sound convincing, but don’t be fooled—chicken wire was never meant to be your chickens’ first line of defense. Think of it as a garden tool, not a coop tool. For a secure flock, invest in materials built to withstand the predators that would love a midnight snack.

Your chickens deserve better than a myth. Protect them with real security, and leave “chicken wire” where it belongs: as a handy garden fence, not your flock’s shield.