Chicken Netting

Shop our range of chicken netting — traditional hexagonal wire netting (also known as hex wire or rabbit wire) for poultry enclosures, garden protection, compost bins, pest exclusion and a wide range of rural and domestic fencing applications across Australia.

Chicken Netting — Buying Guide

What Is Chicken Netting?

Chicken netting — also called hexagonal wire netting, hex wire or rabbit wire — is a flexible wire mesh with a characteristic hexagonal (six-sided) aperture pattern. It is made from light-gauge galvanised wire twisted together at the intersections, creating a lightweight, flexible mesh that can be shaped around curves, corners and irregular surfaces. It is one of the most versatile and widely used wire mesh products in Australian backyards, farms and gardens.

Common Applications

  • Poultry enclosures — containing chickens, ducks, geese and other poultry in coops and runs
  • Rabbit and pest exclusion — protecting vegetable gardens, orchards and plantings from rabbits and other small pests
  • Compost bin construction — forming the walls of simple wire compost bays
  • Garden border and bed protection — preventing pets and wildlife from digging in garden beds
  • Tree and plant guards — wrapping around young trees and plants to protect from rabbit grazing
  • Craft and construction — armature for papier-mâché, sculpture, gabion baskets and decorative applications

Aperture Sizes and Wire Gauges

Chicken netting is available in a range of aperture sizes and wire gauges. The most common aperture sizes are: 13mm (for small birds and snake exclusion), 25mm (standard for poultry and rabbit exclusion), and 50mm (for larger enclosures and general use). Gauge ranges from heavy-duty (19 gauge) for more demanding applications to lighter weight (22–24 gauge) for temporary or lightweight uses. Heavier gauge mesh is more resistant to predators and lasts longer outdoors.

Installation Tips

Chicken netting is easy to cut and shape with standard wire cutters or tin snips. Attach to timber posts with galvanised staples, or to steel posts using tie wire or clips. For predator protection, bury the base of the netting 150mm underground or fold outward and secure to prevent digging predators. Join rolls with an overlap of one full aperture, tying the joins with tie wire at regular intervals for a secure join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken netting suitable for fox exclusion?
Standard light-gauge chicken netting is not adequate for excluding determined foxes. For fox-proof enclosures, upgrade to heavier gauge welded mesh and ensure the base is buried or folded outward.

What size aperture do I need for rabbit exclusion?
25mm aperture chicken netting with buried skirts is effective for rabbit exclusion in most situations. For areas with very small rabbits or mouse pressure, use 13mm aperture.

How long does galvanised chicken netting last?
Light-gauge galvanised chicken netting typically lasts 5–15 years in Australian conditions, depending on the wire gauge and local environment. Heavier gauge mesh lasts significantly longer.

Order Chicken Netting Online — Australia-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast dispatch. We supply backyard poultry keepers, gardeners and rural property owners across Australia. Available in multiple roll lengths and heights.